enchantment The Voice of New Mexico’s Rural Electric Cooperatives
LEA COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
APRIL 2021
Winds of Change Williams Windmill founder Matt Williams, left, and his son, Kirt, maintain ranchers’ windmills throughout southern New Mexico. PHOTO BY CHRIS EBOCH
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APRIL 2021 CONTENTS We Are enchantment View From enchantment Hale to the Stars Lineworker Appreciation Day Energy Sense Book Chat
Winds of Change Your Electric Co-op Tips for Efficiency
On the Menu
Call Before You Dig Outdoor Electrical Safety
The Market Place Youth Art Coping With No Power
enchantment.coop
APRIL 2021
3
enchantment!
We live in the Land of Enchantment … We are
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month Some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at degrees, but most households usually require them to be set at only degrees. Consider lowering your water heater’s temperature to save energy and slow mineral buildup in the heater and pipes.
enchantment monthly photo winner
Take a photo of you holding YOUR MAGAZINE AND WIN!
How to contact enchantment Phone 505-982-4671
Email enchantment@nmelectric.coop Facebook facebook.com/enchantmentnmreca Mail 614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505 Community Events events@nmelectric.coop Display Ads enchantmentads@nmelectric.coop Book Chat Inquiries enchantment@nmelectric.coop Take a photo of you or someone with the magazine and email it with a few words about the photo. Include your name, mailing address and co-op name. One lucky member will win $20. Submitting your photo(s) gives us permission to publish or post the photo(s) in enchantment, on Facebook and in other media outlets. Email to: enchantment@nmelectric.coop
enchantment
April 1, 2021 • Vol. 73, No. 04 USPS 175-880 • ISSN 0046-1946 Circulation 88,000
enchantment (ISSN -) is published monthly by the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, NM . enchantment provides reliable, helpful information on rural living and energy use to electric cooperative members and customers. More than , families and businesses receive enchantment magazine as electric cooperative members. Nonmember subscriptions are available at $ a year or $ for two years, payable to NMRECA. Allow four to eight weeks for first delivery. PERIODICAL POSTAGE paid at Santa Fe, NM - and additional mailing offices. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Postmaster please send address changes to Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, NM -. Readers who receive the publication through their electric cooperative membership should report address changes to their local electric cooperative office. THE NEW MEXICO RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION provides legislative and educational services
to the cooperatives that are members of the association and deliver electric power to New Mexico’s rural areas and small communities. The mission of the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association is to strengthen, support, unify and represent cooperative member interests at the local, state and national levels. Each cooperative has a representative on the association’s board of directors, which controls the editorial content and advertising policy of enchantment through its Publications Committee. OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Charles Pinson, president, Central Valley Electric Co-op, Artesia; Tim Morrow, vice president, Springer Electric Co-op, Springer; Duane Frost, secretary-treasurer, Central NM Electric Co-op, Mountainair BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chris Martinez, Columbus Electric Co-op, Deming; Keith Gottlieb, Continental Divide Electric Co-op, Grants; Lance R. Adkins, Farmers’ Electric Co-op, Clovis; Robert Caudle, Lea County Electric Co-op, Lovington; James Ortiz, Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative; Thomas G. Rivas, Northern Río Arriba Electric Co-op, Chama; Preston Stone, Otero County Electric Co-op, Cloudcroft; Antonio Sanchez Jr., Roosevelt County Electric Co-op, Portales; George Biel, Sierra Electric Co-op, Elephant Butte; Donald L. Wolberg, Socorro Electric Co-op, Socorro; Travis Sullivan, Southwestern Electric Co-op, Clayton; Wayne Connell, Tri-State G&T Association, Westminster, Colorado; Charles G. Wagner, Western Farmers Electric Co-op, Oklahoma. NEW MEXICO RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
Congratulations to… Columbus Electric Cooperative member Jose Provencio Jr., reading enchantment magazine with his buddy, Frosty the Snowman. Amanda Provencio took the photo.
The Provencios win $20! 4
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Don Gaspar Ave. Phone: -- Santa Fe, NM Fax: -- nmelectric.coop enchantment.coop Keven J. Groenewold, CEO, kgroenewold@nmelectric.coop Tom Condit, director of communications, tcondit@nmelectric.coop DISPLAY ADVERTISING: Rates available upon request. Co-op members and New Mexico display advertisers, email Shaylyn at enchantmentads@nmelectric.coop or call --. National representative: American MainStreet Publications, --. Advertisements in enchantment are paid solicitations and are not endorsed by the publisher or the electric cooperatives that are members of the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association. PRODUCT SATISFACTION AND DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY LIE SOLELY WITH THE ADVERTISER. © New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association Inc., in partnership with Pioneer Utility Resources. Reproduction prohibited without written permission of the publisher.
enchantment.coop
view from enchantment I By Keven J. Groenewold, CEO New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association
The Importance of Recognition There are a number of holidays and appreciation days we celebrate. Some more important than others. We do not observe National Burrito Day on April 1 or National Day of Reason on May 6 like we do Memorial Day. Sometimes it is difficult to pin down the exact date we celebrate an event. The Fourth of July is easy to remember, but for Easter, we go back to a formula determined in 325 A.D. Easter usually is the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the March equinox. This year, the first full moon following the equinox was March 28. This month, New Mexico electric cooperatives celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day on Monday, April 12. This is one of those difficult-to-pin-down days, so you might see other dates set aside to recognize these courageous workers. Some quick background: In 2013, the U.S. Senate declared April 18 as Lineworker Appreciation Day. This was a one-time resolution, not an ongoing designation. Though the 2013 resolution only applied to that specific year, many electric cooperatives planned to use that date the next year. However, April 18, 2014, fell on Good Friday—not the best day for an appreciation day. So many utilities used another date. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s board of directors decided that for subsequent years, the second Monday of each April would be Lineworker Appreciation Day. The board took this action to ensure the date always falls on a weekday and never falls on Good Friday. More than 900 electric cooperatives throughout the nation recognize this date. Other electric utilities and organizations
en c h a n tm en t.coop
chose different days. The International Brotherhood of Electric Workers celebrates July 10; the Edison Electric Institute has also used different dates. No matter what is recognized as the official date, the recognition is welldeserved. Lineworkers truly are first responders during storms and other catastrophes, such as the current pandemic. They often work to make the scene safe for other public safety personnel. It is a dangerous job that does not respect family time, distance from home or the hour of the day. Our cooperative lineworkers leave the comfort of their warm beds to brave the elements—sometimes even crossing co-op boundaries to help neighboring cooperatives. We have sent crews to places as far away as Louisiana and Florida to help repair hurricane-ravaged electric systems. They do this without expectation or fanfare. Once, a New Mexico lineman was called out at night to rescue a little girl’s cat from the top of a pole on Christmas Eve. He went without hesitation. That’s what lineworkers do. They do not wait until it is convenient before beginning to restore power. No matter the conditions, if they can safely perform the work, lineworkers stay on the job until your electricity is back on. Back to the confusion on the date for Lineworker Appreciation Day. What day really is Lineworker’s Day? The answer lies in the words of Senate Resolution 95 from 2013: “... linemen work with thousands of volts of electricity high atop power lines 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to keep electricity flowing.” So, the next time you see one of these courageous individuals, take a moment
to say hi and let them know how much reliable electricity means to you. No matter the “official” date, for those of us who recognize the importance of the job they perform, Lineworker Appreciation Day is every day.
APRIL 2021
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hale to the stars I By Alan Hale
The surface scene at Jezero Crater on Mars, as seen by the Perseverance rover approximately a day after touchdown, February 18, 2021. PHOTO COURTESY OF NASA
This April Is All About Mars
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BY VAS
ILEVA
Jupiter following about half an hour later. As they did last year—although with their positions with respect to each other reversed—these two worlds will remain bright and prominent fixtures in our nighttime skies for the rest of 2021.
RATION
on February 18, with the intent of searching for possible signs of past—and possibly present?—Martian life, as well as deploying a drone helicopter, Ingenuity. Mars is not, however, the only planet visible in the April evening sky. After passing behind the sun as seen from Earth last month, Venus begins emerging into the dusk sky around midmonth. For the time being, however, it remains quite low above the horizon. It gradually climbs higher, and will dominate the evening sky during the latter months of the year. Meanwhile, Mercury also begins to make an appearance late this month. It will pass by Venus on Sunday evening, the 25th, and then become higher and easier to see during the first half of May. Our solar system’s two largest planets, Jupiter and Saturn, are both visible in the morning sky this month. Saturn rises roughly an hour and a half before the beginning of dawn, with the brighter
ILLUST
M
ars remains the only bright planet conveniently visible in the evening sky during April. It continues to fade following its relatively close passage by Earth late last year, but it remains moderately prominent and fairly high in the western sky during the hours after dusk before setting around midnight. Mars recently had some guests arrive. On February 9, the Emirates Mars mission—nicknamed Hope—from the United Arab Emirates arrived in orbit around Mars, where it will spend at least the next two years studying Martian weather. One day later, China’s Tianwen 1 mission arrived in Mars’ orbit, and sometime within the next few months will deploy a lander and rover to the surface in Utopia Planitia—the same general area where NASA’s Viking 2 mission landed 45 years ago. Finally, NASA’s Perseverance rover landed on Mars’ surface in Jezero Crater
enchantment.coop
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By Anne Prince
W
hen asked to associate an image or a person with a New Mexico electric cooperative, I bet you would picture a lineworker. One of the most visible employees of the co-op, lineworkers work tirelessly to ensure our community receives uninterrupted power 24/7. “Lineworker” is listed as one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. This is understandable because of detailed tasks they perform near high-voltage power lines. Regardless of the time of day,—and braving stormy weather and other challenging conditions—lineworkers must climb 40 feet in the air, often carrying heavy equipment to get the job done. Being a lineworker is not a glamorous or easy profession. It takes years of specialized training, ongoing education, dedication, and, equally important, a sense of service and commitment. How else can you explain the willingness to leave the comfort of your home to tackle a challenging job in difficult conditions when most are sheltering safely at home? This dedication and sense of service to the community truly sets them apart. That’s why we set aside the second 8
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Monday in April to celebrate and recognize the men and women who work around the clock to keep the lights on. While lineworkers may be the most visible employees at your cooperative, it’s important to note there is a team of highly skilled professionals working behind the scenes. Engineers provide ongoing expertise and guidance on the operations side of the co-op. Member service representatives stand by to take your calls and questions. Information technology experts monitor the system to help safeguard sensitive data. These are just a few of the folks who work together to ensure we can deliver
the service and reliability you expect and deserve. Without them, our lineworkers wouldn’t be able to “bring the light” to our community. Our dedicated and beloved lineworkers are proud to represent New Mexico communities, and deserve all the appreciation and accolades that come their way Lineworker Appreciation Day. On April 12, and any time you see a lineworker, remember to thank them for their exceptional service. Always remember that you have a dedicated team of professionals working behind the scenes at your co-op whose commitment to service runs just as deep.
enchantment.coop
Order an gift subscription today 1 Year: $12 or 2 Years: $18 Mail payment payable to NMRECA with mailing details of person receiving subscription: Mail to: enchantment 614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505
energy sense I Pat Keegan
Three Great Options for Home Cooling Q: What air-conditioning options should I explore so we can stay cool this summer? A: It’s the right time of year to think about how to stay cool this summer. There are a few low- and no-cost cooling strategies, such as using ceiling fans to keep air moving, turning off unused electrical devices and appliances, and blocking direct sunlight with window coverings. If you live in a climate with cool summer evenings, you can let cool air in late at night or early in the morning, then seal up the home to keep that air from leaking out. If that’s not enough, you can install air conditioning. Below are three common options for home cooling, including approximate cost estimates. Please be aware that costs vary. Window/Portable Cooling Window and portable airconditioning units are the lowest-cost approach. Portable units can be moved from room to room and come equipped with a length of duct to exhaust hot air out a nearby window. Window units are mounted in a window opening and cool one room. The efficiency of portable and window units has improved, but none is as efficient as most central air-conditioning units or a mini-split heat pump.
If you live in a hot, dry climate, consider an evaporative cooler—sometimes referred to as a swamp cooler. Window units have been around for a while, but there are portable options. Evaporative cooling units can be less expensive than traditional air-conditioning units, but don’t buy one until you determine how well evaporative cooling works in your area. Whatever option you choose, make sure it is rated for the size of the space you are cooling. Portable and window units cost $149 to $1,000 each, depending on your climate and how many square feet you’re trying to cool. Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps A ductless mini-split heat pump has a compressor outside the home connected to air handler units in as many as four rooms. Each room’s temperature can be controlled separately. Ductless mini-splits are a good choice for homes without forced-air ducting systems, or with leaky or undersized ductwork. Heat pumps can also be a supplemental source of heat in the winter. Heat pumps cost $3,000 to $10,000, including installation. Central Cooling If your home has forced-air heating ductwork, it can be used for an air conditioner or
This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency. For more energy tips, go to collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.
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Central air conditioning systems typically have a compressor unit located outside the home. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY GALINAST
heat pump unit. This is a good option if the ductwork is sized properly and doesn’t leak, and if ducts are in unheated attics or crawlspaces that are insulated. In some U.S. locations, contractors can install evaporative cooling as a wholehouse system.
Central air-conditioning units cost between $3,000 to $7,000, not including repairs to ductwork. As always, you can save energy and money by buying Energy Star-rated appliances and collecting a few quotes from licensed contractors.
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book chat I By Michele Potter
www.michelepotter.com
Visit your local bookstores to buy books. Send your book for review to: Book Chat, Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, NM 5 Rocky Mountain Italians The cover photo features a happy intergenerational stereotypical Italian family gathered round for a big meal. But in this amiable, clear and familial history about immigrant Italian families— particularly in the Durango-Silverton area— Kay Niemann notes not only celebratory moments, but also how they survived dislocation, poverty and tragedy. There are 16 stories that include splendid artifacts and even tonics. Each family’s story exemplifies Italian immigration to Colorado. Many newcomers were miners. Niemann includes the infamous story of the Ludlow Massacre on April 20, 1914, when the state’s militia opened fire on the tent colony of striking miners, killing 66. Issues of immigration and plague reflect our current problems as well—demonstrated by a photograph of Marghuerita Troglia with her young son after her husband died in the 1918 flu epidemic, echoing COVID19. Simple, lovely writing and an affection for the history of these people endears this book to me.
New Mexico Episodes Fortyish years as a historical researcher and archaeologist allowed John Wilson to assemble 13 of his favorite stories. There’s Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County Wars, but I like this book for its quirkier and more everyday episodes, such as the story of a woman who hates going to the post office to pick up her letters because the men all stare. The letter that arrives might include merely her name and county. Mail took a while to arrive, but eventually got there. In 1858, the Butterflied Overland Mail linked the westernmost railroad line in Missouri with San Francisco; thus, stagecoaches did 2,800-mile runs in as little as 21 days. The Pony Express soon delivered in half that time. The telegraph later delivered the message within a day, mostly. Buffalo messed things up sometimes by taking down the wires. It seems they loved to scratch their backs on the telegraph poles and kept taking down miles of wire. There’s much to enjoy here—history that’s ordinary and human, therefore inevitably amusing.
By Kay Niemann Wester Reflections Publishing Co. westernreflectionspublishing.com
By John Philip Wilson Sunstone Press sunstonepress.com
Saints and Sinners
The eye-catching photo—and namesake— on the cover is of the Saints and Sinners Bar in Española. I’ve passed it hundreds of times, but never photographed it. But this writer/photographer duo have. Their poems, drawings and photos will open your eyes to what’s hiding in plain sight, especially if you live in northern New Mexico—and anywhere else, really. The photographs are dazzling. The poems make you think and feel more deeply. The book is all about eyes wide open, not about sentimentality or a longing for simpler times—notions that invite their
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Trapped in Tanzania Betcha can’t put it down! What is real in this based-on-a true-story book and what is not? That is a central question anyone in an abusive relationship must ask. In this case, that woman is Emma, and the father of her child is a global tech entrepreneur and member of a powerful African family. In a culture and country where the rules are not one’s own, Emma struggles to stay sane and keep control of her life and her baby, Ava, who is kidnapped. The author— and baby’s grandmother—is Taos writer and Peace Corps worker Anne Silver, whose insightful point of view drives this psychological thriller. The narrative moves between Taos and Tanzania as Anne—a Peace Corps worker—and her husband struggle to understand and free Emma and Ava from an impossible situation. The cultural backdrop of the narrative is rich and fascinating. The back book cover features grandbaby Ava with President Obama in 2013 in Tanzania—as if you needed another attention-grabber! By Anne Silver Amazon.com
own regrets. Here’s a sample stanza: Wearing halos Is known to cause headaches They never fit the way you want To husbands you’re a goody two-shoes To parents you’re a sinner. The book makes me wonder what I’ve missed. It inspires you to pay attention to life all around us. By Melanie Lamb Faithful and Sally Nelson Kruse University of Oklahoma Press oupress.com
enchantment.coop
March - Back Porch Ad - NM.indd 1
1/12/21 4:36 PM
Williams Windmill founder Matt Williams, left, and his son, Kirt, maintain ranchers’ windmills throughout southern New Mexico. PHOTO BY CHRIS EBOCH
Winds of Change Williams Windmill has been filling a need for 45 years By Chris Eboch
V
isiting customers might find Matt Williams in the office at Williams Windmill, where he is happy to share his expertise on windmill and solar well pump systems. More than likely, however, he’s out on a job. Winter weather doesn’t keep him inside—though he might stick around the office if strong winds are blowing and nobody needs anything urgently. “Anytime anybody is out of water or has cows out of water, they consider that an emergency,” Matt says. “You end up working on weekends a lot of times.” The only off-limits time is at night. 14
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“It’s dangerous, and I figure anybody can live ‘til tomorrow without water,” he says. Williams Windmill was established in April 1976 in Lemitar—Socorro Electric Cooperative service territory. Matt started his business for the simplest of reasons: He saw a need that he could fill. “I was working on a ranch, and all our wells were very deep, and bad water ate up our pipes,” he explains. “We spent half our time working on wells. I figured if I was going to do that, I didn’t have to do it for cowboy wages. I never liked working for anyone else, anyway, and I wasn’t afraid of hard work.” Matt sold a home in Albuquerque for enough money to buy his first pulling
rig—a specialized truck-and-rig combo for pulling pipe tubing in and out of wells. He was raised in Quemado, where he worked on his family’s ranch, and later ran the Monte Prieto Ranch near Claunch, New Mexico, so Matt knew ranchers throughout southern New Mexico. The company first sold and serviced windmills. An April 1976 article in Socorro’s Defensor Chieftain about the new business noted, “In light of the growing energy crisis facing the world, the Williamses hope to meet a growing interest in wind power by rebuilding and repairing used windmills, selling new mills, and building and erecting towers for windmills and wind-driven generators. enchantment.coop
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Matt and Kirt on the job 30 years ago. Matt works 20 feet above the ground. Much has changed since Williams Windmill was featured in the April 1976 edition of the Defensor Chieftain. PHOTO AT RIGHT BY THE DEFENSOR CHIEFTAIN
An old windmill can often be rebuilt to a condition of quality comparable to a new mill, at roughly half the cost of a new mill.” A windmill can supply water for family needs, livestock and irrigation. The rotating windmill blades convert wind power into rotational energy to run a pump pulling water from the ground. This means there is no day-to-day cost for the energy needed to pump water. “When I started out, ninety-some percent of our work was for ranchers,” Matt says. At that time, commercial electricity was not available on most ranches, so many windmills used submersible pumps run by generators to pump water when the wind wasn’t blowing. Williams Windmill soon began supplying those pumps as well. The business continued to grow as Matt adjusted to what people needed. When he ordered parts for supplies, people came in wanting to buy those parts. Williams Windmill sells everything from pumps to pipes to fittings. The business has a large warehouse, plus acres out back with rows of pumps, septic tanks, enormous tires that can be cut into indestructible cattle tanks and much more. Some changes through the years make work easier, as plastic pipes replace heavier metal. Still, windmills are heavy work. “Windmills just take a strong back, a weak mind and lots of laundry detergent,” Matt jokes. enchantment.coop
Other changes have made the work more complex, which contributes to ranchers hiring Williams Windmill to take over. “When I started out, 90% of ranchers did their own well work,” Matt says. “Now, I don’t think 5% do their own well work. Cowboys think well work is the bottom of the pit. It’s dirty and there’s heavy lifting, and lots of them are scared of anything electrical. They’re afraid to touch it.” Matt and his son, Kirt, both had to learn new skills. “It will get more and more technical,” Matt predicts. “Probably the biggest change is the advent of solar pumps. We’ve had to go to school, especially on the solar stuff.” Ranchers and others can find all the help they need, and not merely with windmills. Williams Windmill can help with any water or well project, and more, with stock covering solar pumping systems, submersible water pumps, PVC pipe, poly pipe, PEX and steel pipe, poly tanks, rubber tire troughs, HD galvanized and poly troughs, barbed wire and T-posts, structured steel and pipe, and “every fitting imaginable.” They also can order items they don’t currently carry. Williams Windmill has become a family business, primarily run by Kirt now, with Kirt’s wife, Tamela Williams, working as bookkeeper. Matt expects the business to last through the generations. His grandchildren, Matthew, 3, and Sabra, 2, already spend some time helping by
“rearranging” the warehouse. Even though he is now 79, Matt still works most days. “I love to work, I enjoy it,” he says, adding they have a hard time hiring good workers, which means his skills are still in demand. “I’d like to slow down more, but I don’t want to quit.” It’s hard to imagine Matt slowing down, let alone quitting, Kirt says. “Matt always put his customers and his business first,” he says. “He built this company from nothing but an idea to a thriving business by dedicating his life to it.” Contact Williams Windmill at 575-835-1630, by mail at 42 Frontage Road E., Lemitar, NM, 87823 or online at williamswindmill.com. APRIL 2021
15
Lea County Electric Cooperative
LCEC to Conduct Survey of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Habitats Executive Vice President and General Manager Bobby Ferris Lovington 1300 W. Avenue D, or P.O. Drawer 1447 Lovington, NM 88260 575-396-3631 Tatum • 575-398-2233 Plains • 806-456-3322 Toll-Free • 800-510-5232 Website • www.lcecnet.com Facebook @LeaCountyElectricCooperative Twitter @LeaCountyCoopOffice “Owned By Those We Serve” This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Board of Trustees President
John Graham, Lovington, District 1
Vice President
Robert Caudle Lovington, District 1
Secretary-Treasurer
Dan Hardin, Lovington, District 4 Charles Garner Seminole, TX, District 7 Travis Glenn Tatum, District 3 C.J. Kinsolving Crossroads, District 6 Randall McCormick Lovington, District 5 Kenny Wallace Lovington, District 1 Jason Swann Plains, TX, District 8 16
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Lea County Electric Cooperative will conduct a Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies mandated survey from March 15 through May 7 to identify lesser prairie-chicken habitats. The survey will be in northern Lea County in New Mexico and the western parts of the Texas counties of Cochran, Yoakum and Gaines. The lesser prairie-chicken is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Failure to comply by the deadline with these mandates could be a federal offense. In addition, it is a federal offense to kill, harm, harass or disrupt the lesser prairie-chicken. These offenses are subject to significant fines. If lesser prairie-chicken habitats exist within our territory, LCEC would be required to build underground power lines to avoid disturbing them. It is assumed that leks—sites where male lesser prairie-chickens compete for females—exist in the territory. It is the sole responsibility of LCEC to prove the leks do not exist under any overhead lines in the areas to be surveyed. The process requires surveying the areas affected twice between March 15 and May 7, which encompasses the mating season for the lesser prairie-chicken. LCEC employees will be on-site 30 minutes prior to sunrise until 30 minutes after sunrise. The ultimate goal of the survey is for LCEC to be able to continue its normal business of staking and building overhead lines to serve members without disruption. If the survey finds leks, LCEC will have to build underground lines, which will increase costs. If you have any concerns or questions relating to this activity, please call 575-396-3631.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
Some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140 degrees, but most households usually only require them to be set at 120 degrees. Consider lowering your water heater’s temperature to save energy and slow mineral buildup in the heater and pipes. Source: www.energy.gov enchantment.coop
Lea County Electric Cooperative
By Anne Prince If you were asked to associate an image or a person with Lea County Electric Cooperative, I bet you would picture a lineworker. One of the most visible employees of the co-op, lineworkers work tirelessly to ensure our community receives uninterrupted power 24/7. Lineworker is listed as one of the 10 most dangerous jobs in the United States. This is understandable. They perform detailed tasks near high-voltage power lines. Regardless of the time of day, they brave stormy weather and other challenging conditions— often climbing 40 feet in the air, carrying heaving equipment—to get the job done. Being a lineworker is not a glamorous or easy profession. It takes years of specialized training, ongoing education, dedication and—equally important—a sense of service and commitment. How else can you explain the willingness to leave the comfort of your home to tackle a challenging job in difficult conditions when most are sheltering comfortably at home? This dedication and sense of service to the community truly sets lineworkers apart. That’s why we set aside the second Monday enchantment.coop
in April to celebrate and recognize the men and women who work around the clock to keep the lights on. While lineworkers may be the most visible employees at Lea County Electric Cooperative, it’s important to note there is a team of highly skilled professionals working behind the scenes. Engineers provide ongoing expertise and guidance on the operations side. Member service representatives stand by to take your calls. Our information technology experts monitor our system to help safeguard sensitive data. These are just a few of the folks who work together to ensure we deliver the service and reliability you expect and deserve. Without them, our lineworkers wouldn’t be able to bring the light to our community. Our dedicated and beloved lineworkers are proud to represent LCEC, and deserve all the appreciation and accolades that come their way on Lineworker Appreciation Day. On April 12, and any time you see a lineworker, please thank them for their exceptional service. And remember: You have a dedicated team of professionals working behind the scenes at the co-op whose commitment to service runs just as deep.
APRIL 2021
17
enchantment The Voice of New Mexico’s Rural Electric Cooperatives
LEA COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
APRIL 2021
NOTICEOF OFANNUAL ANNUALMEETING MEETING NOTICE
TO: All All Members Members of of Lea Lea County County TO: Electric Cooperative, Cooperative, Inc. Inc. Electric
LEA LEACOUNTY COUNTYELECTRIC ELECTRICCOOPERATIVE COOPERATIVE
nominations of Trustees was prepared and posted at nominations of Trustees was prepared and posted at the office of Lea County Electric Cooperative, Inc., 1300 the office of Lea County Electric Cooperative, Inc., 1300 West Avenue D, Lovington, New Mexico, and each West Avenue D, Lovington, New Mexico, and each district office. In addition, a Committee on Nominations district office. In addition, a Committee on Nominations was appointed and met on March 10, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. was appointed and met on March 10, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose of placing in nomination candidate(s) for the purpose of placing in nomination candidate(s) for the election of one Trustee from District Five for the for the election of one Trustee from District Five for the 2021 meeting. A list of said nominations for Trustee has 2021 meeting. A list of said nominations for Trustee has been prepared and posted at the office of Lea County been prepared and posted at the office of Lea County Electric Cooperative, Inc. at 1300 West Avenue D, Electric Cooperative, Inc. at 1300 West Avenue D, Lovington, New Mexico, and each district office. Lovington, New Mexico, and each district office. According to the bylaws, other nominations may According to the bylaws, other nominations may be made by petition signed by 15 or more members be made by petition signed by 15 or more members acting together, no less than 20 days prior to the acting together, no less than 20 days prior to the date of the annual meeting of members. A list of any date of the annual meeting of members. A list of any nominations by petition will likewise be prepared nominations by petition will likewise be prepared and posted. All nominations, including those by the and posted. All nominations, including those by the Committeeon onNominations Nominationsand andthose thoseby bypetition, petition,will will Committee be submitted to and acted upon by the membership be submitted to and acted upon by the membership atthe theAnnual AnnualMeeting. Meeting.AAstatement statementofofthe thenumber numberofof at Trustees to be elected and the names and addresses Trustees to be elected and the names and addresses ofthe thecandidates candidates(the (thenominations nominationsmade madeby bythe the of Committeeon onNominations Nominationsand andnominations nominationsmade made Committee by petition, if any, being listed separately as required by petition, if any, being listed separately as required inthe thebylaws) bylaws)will willbe bemailed mailedtotothe themembers memberswith withthis this in Noticeof ofthe theAnnual AnnualMeeting. Meeting. Notice Article III, Section theBylaws Bylawsstates statesininpart: part: Article III, Section 55ofofthe Each person who otherwise qualifies and who wishes Each person who otherwise qualifies and who wishes tovote voteshall shallregister registerfor forthe themember membermeeting meetingand andshall shall to be entitled to only one vote on each matter submitted be entitled to only one vote on each matter submitted toaavote voteat ataaMeeting Meetingofofthe theMembers. Members.Voting Votingpersons persons to other than members who are natural persons shall be other than members who are natural persons shall be allowedby bythe thepresentation presentationto tothe theCooperative, Cooperative,prior prior allowed to or upon registration at each Member Meeting, to or upon registration at each Member Meeting, ofof satisfactoryevidence evidenceentitling entitlingthe theperson personpresenting presenting satisfactory thesame sameto tovote. vote.Voting Votingauthorization authorizationforms formsare are the available at the Cooperative’s main office at 1300 West available at the Cooperative’s main office at 1300 West Avenue D, Lovington, New Mexico, and at the district Avenue D, Lovington, New Mexico, and at the district officesininTatum Tatumand andPlains Plainsor orby bycalling calling575-396-3631. 575-396-3631. offices IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Notice has beenissued issued IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Notice has been by the Secretary-Treasurer of the Lea County Electric by the Secretary-Treasurer of the Lea County Electric Cooperative,Inc., Inc.,and andits itscorporate corporateseal sealhereon hereon Cooperative, impressedthis this26th 26thday dayofofMarch March2021. 2021. impressed
Notice is hereby given that the combined Notice is hereby given that the combined 2020/2021 Annual Meeting of Members of Lea County 2020/2021 Annual Meeting of Members of Lea County Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held Friday, April 23, Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held Friday, April 23, 2021, at the hours of 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., MDT, 2021, at the hours of 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., MDT, at 1300 1300 W. W. Avenue Avenue D, D, Lovington, Lovington, New New Mexico, Mexico,the theLea Lea at County Electric Cooperative’s main office. The meeting County Electric Cooperative’s main office. The meeting will be be conducted conducted in in aa drive-through drive-through process processthat that will will minimize contact and adhere to the COVID Safe will minimize contact and adhere to the COVID Safe Business Practices as well as comply with the current Business Practices as well as comply with the current Public Health Health Orders. Orders. In In addition, addition, follow followthe thebylaws bylawsof of Public the Cooperative and conduct Co-op business as well the Cooperative and conduct Co-op business as well as ratify ratify the the 2020 2020 elected elected Trustees, Trustees, elect elect2021 2021Trustee, Trustee, as and the transaction of such other business as maycome come and the transaction of such other business as may before the the meeting. meeting. Registration Registration of of members memberswill willbe be before held on Friday, April 23, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 held on Friday, April 23, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., MDT. MDT. p.m., The business business session session of of the the meeting meetingwill willbe be The streamed live on the Lea County Electric Facebook streamed live on the Lea County Electric Facebook page at at 6:00 6:00 p.m., p.m., MDT, MDT, at at which which the the following followingwill will page be addressed: addressed: 1) 1) the the establishment establishment of of aaquorum; quorum;2) 2) be a reading of the secretary’s Notice of the meeting a reading of the secretary’s Notice of the meeting and proof proof of of mailing mailing to to members; members; 3) 3) approval approvalof of and minutes of of the the 2019 2019 Annual Annual Meeting; Meeting; presentation presentationand and minutes consideration of reports from officers, trustees, and consideration of reports from officers, trustees, and committees; 4) 4) aa ratification ratification from from the the members membersof oftwo two committees; Trustees, one from District One and one from District Six Trustees, one from District One and one from District Six for the the year year 2020 2020 Annual Annual Meeting; Meeting; and and 5) 5)an anelection electionby by for the membership of a Trustee from District Five for the the membership of a Trustee from District Five for the year 2021 2021 Annual Annual Meeting. Meeting. year Pursuant to to Article Article IV, IV, Section Section 44 of of the theBylaws, Bylaws, Pursuant a Committee on Nominations, was appointed, and a Committee on Nominations, was appointed, and met on March 10, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose met on March 10, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose nomination candidates candidates for forthe theelection election of placing in nomination one from from District District One One and andone one of two Trustees; one from District Six for for the the 2020 2020 meeting. meeting. AAlist listof ofsaid said DanHardin, Hardin,Secretary-Treasurer Secretary-Treasurer Dan
2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020
BOARD BOARDOF OFDIRECTORS DIRECTORS JOHN JOHNGRAHAM GRAHAM
Spouse: Spouse: Tonya Tonya Board Board Member Member since since 2016 2016 Representing District Representing District 33 Occupation: Occupation: Businessman Businessman 33
ROBERT ROBERTCAUDLE CAUDLE
RANDALL RANDALL McCORMICK McCORMICK
Vice-President Vice-President Spouse: Spouse:Joyce Joyce Board BoardMember Membersince since1984 1984 Representing RepresentingDistrict District11 Occupation: Occupation:Landman Landman
Spouse: Spouse: Sandra Sandra Board Board Member Member since since 2016 2016 Representing Representing District District 55 Occupation: Occupation: Businessman Businessman 55
11
CJ CJ KINSOLVING KINSOLVING
DAN DANHARDIN HARDIN
Spouse: Spouse: Kaitlin Kaitlin Board Board Member Member since since 2015 2015 Representing District Representing District 66 Occupation: Occupation: Ranching Ranching
Secretary-Treasurer Secretary-Treasurer Spouse: Spouse:Sandy Sandy Board BoardMember Membersince since2004 2004 Representing RepresentingDistrict District44 Occupation: Occupation:Finance Finance 66
44
CHARLES CHARLES W. W. GARNER II
KENNETH KENNETHWALLACE WALLACE
Spouse: Spouse: Christy Christy Board Board Member Member since 2014 Representing Representing District District 7 Occupation: Farming Occupation: Farming & Ranching
Spouse: Spouse:Elaine Elaine Board BoardMember Membersince since2013 2013 Representing District Representing District11 Occupation: Occupation:Businessman/Oil Businessman/Oil &&Gas GasServices Services 77
11
JASON JASON SWANN SWANN
Spouse: Spouse: Erin Erin Board Member Member since 2018 Board Representing District District 8 Representing Occupation: Banking Banking Occupation:
NEW NEW MEXICO MEXICO
88
DISTRICT DISTRICT RobertCaudle Caudle Robert JohnGraham Graham John
RandallMcCormick McCormick Randall
KennethWallace Wallace Kenneth
CJKinsolving Kinsolving CJ
TravisGlenn Glenn Travis
CharlesW. W.Garner GarnerIIII Charles
DanHardin Hardin Dan
JasonSwann Swann Jason
ANNUAL REPORT REPORT 2020 2020 ANNUAL
LEACOUNTY COUNTYELECTRIC ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE COOPERATIVE LEA
11
TRAVIS TRAVIS GLENN GLENN
President President Spouse: Spouse:Jeanine Jeanine Board BoardMember Membersince since2012 2012 Representing District Representing District11 Occupation: Occupation:Businessman/ Businessman/ Newspaper NewspaperPublisher Publisher
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING MESSAGE FROM MANAGEMENT
JOHN GRAHAM
BOBBY FERRIS
LEALEA COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERTIVE
2020 was undoubtedly a unique year for everyone. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen changes in the way we do business at Lea County Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LCEC). In the spring, LCEC enhanced personal hygiene training to employees concerning TO: All Members of Lea Countynon-essential COVID-19, closed lobbies, and canceled business travel. As the pandemic’s Electric Cooperative, Inc. seriousness continued, the board of trustees postponed the Annual Meeting scheduled in April, expecting to reschedule Notice is hereby given thatofthe combined later in 2020. When the board trustees met in 2020/2021 Annual Meeting Members of Lea County October and reviewed New of Mexico Governor Michelle Electric Cooperative, will be held Aprilthe 23, Lujan Grisham’s latestInc. executive orderFriday, 2020-004, board of trustees had no choice but to cancel the 2020 2021, at the hours of 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., MDT, the calendar year. This year atmeeting 1300 W.during Avenue D,2020 Lovington, New Mexico, thethe Lea 2020 and 2021 Cooperative’s Annual Meetings willoffice. be combined and County Electric main The meeting will take place on Friday, April 23, 2021. This decision will be conducted in a drive-through process that was made in an effort to comply with the executive will minimize contact and adhere to the COVID Safe order and to ensure the safety of our members. Business Practices as well as comply with the current Lobbies were closed and reopened throughout the Public Health Orders. safety In addition, bylaws of year with everyone’s in mindfollow and tothe comply the Cooperative and conduct Co-op business as well with everchanging rules. Our commitment remained asthe ratify the 2020 elected Trustees, elect 2021 Trustee, same in serving you with safe, affordable, reliable, and the transaction of suchLCEC otheremployees’ business as may come member-driven electricity. willingness to work with the constant changes evidentwill and before the meeting. Registration ofwas members be did not stop the productivity reliability ourto members held on Friday, April 23, 2021,or from 8:00 a.m. 5:00 haveMDT. come to expect. We are pleased to inform you that p.m., theThe reliability factor for 2020 wasmeeting 99.96%.will be business session of the The pandemic caused a significant shift in energy streamed live on the Lea County Electric Facebook usage patterns. Total energy sales decreased by page at 6:00 p.m., MDT, at which the following will approximately 9%. Meters served decrease from 16,300 be 1) the establishment of sources a quorum; 2) toaddressed: 16,260. Operating revenue from all totaled a $89 reading of the secretary’s Notice of the meeting million and margins were $1.9 million for 2020. The and proof mailing to members; 3) approval of Co-op wasofable to achieve this through sound business minutes ofguided the 2019 Meeting; practices by Annual management andpresentation the board of and consideration of reports from officers, trustees, and trustees. To improve to you, we the continue to of two committees; 4) aservice ratification from members upgradeone our from infrastructure and and use technology to its Six Trustees, District One one from District fullest extent. Upgrades to our aging infrastructure for the year 2020 Annual Meeting; and 5) an election by continued throughout the year. TheDistrict Advanced the membership of a Trustee from Five for the Metering Infrastructure (AMI) installation for residential year 2021 Annual Meeting. services was completed improving outage response. Pursuant to Article IV, Section 4 of the Bylaws, The Information Technology Communications a (IT) Committee on Nominations, was appointed, and department converted communications at six met on March 10, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose substations from microwave radio to fiber cable, ofreducing placing maintenance in nominationand candidates the election total costfor of ownership. ofLCEC two finalized Trustees;plans one from Districtfrom One analog and one to transition Land Mobile RadioSix (LMR) to a2020 digital solutionAwith from District for the meeting. list expected of said completion in 2021. LMR will improve radio coverage resulting in a reliable communication method for field
ANNUAL ANNUALREPORT REPORT2020 2020
crews throughout our service territory. The installation of Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology was completed giving LCEC real-time visibility and control over field operations andwas equipment. nominations of Trustees prepared and posted at We continue to be committed to training Inc., 1300 the office of Lea County Electric Cooperative, employees on potential cyber threats andand avoiding West Avenue D, Lovington, New Mexico, each situations that might put our organization’s data at risk. district office. In addition, a Committee on Nominations The IT department implemented a new Cyber Security was appointed and met on March 10, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. Awareness Program for all co-op employees. for theincreased purpose its of placing in communication nomination candidate(s) LCEC electronic efforts for election of onecontent Trusteeasfrom Fiveand for the to the share social media wellDistrict as connect 2021 meeting. A list of said nominations for Trustee engage with members. Facebook, along with Twitter, has been prepared and posted the office Lea County allows us to provide instant at updates andof outage Electric Cooperative, Inc. at 1300 Avenue D, information. Be sure to look us up,West follow and stay tuned as our team worksand on providing you office. with easy to Lovington, New Mexico, each district access information. According to the bylaws, other nominations may Besides providing qualityby electric service, we strive be made by petition signed 15 or more members to be a great civic partner through education, acting together, no less than 20 days prior to youth, the and community outreach. During the pandemic, LCEC, date of the annual meeting of members. A list of any and all NMRECA (Statewide) cooperatives, purchased nominations petitionfrom will Boot likewise be prepared 260 gallons ofbysanitizer Hill Distillery in and posted. All nominations, including those by the Dodge City, Kansas as part of the combined efforts Committee on Nominations and those by petition, will between Western Farmers Electric Cooperative, TriState, be submitted to and acted upon by the membership and Statewide. We received 20 gallons. Due to the donatedAmuch of theof allotment to local atabundance, the Annualwe Meeting. statement the number of entities, to including the City Lovington, Cityaddresses of Plains, Trustees be elected and of the names and GoodLife Living,made Lovington Health ofLea theCounty candidates (theAssisted nominations by the Care, Town of Tatum, and Yoakum County. Committee on Nominations and nominations made LCEC awarded 17 new one-time scholarships of $7,500 by petition, if any, being listed separately as required to area students and continued funding 30 recipients ininthe will be mailedprogram. to the members withthe this thebylaws) recurring scholarship Regrettably, Notice of the Annual Meeting. Government-In-Action Youth Tour (YT) was canceled Article III, Section 5 of theCooperative Bylaws states in part: by the National Rural Electric Association Each person who otherwise qualifies andchose whoto wishes (NRECA) because of the pandemic. LCEC award this year’s YT delegates a $5,000 scholarship for their to vote shall register for the member meeting and shall efforts to go their college education. Three be entitled totowards only one vote on each matter submitted local non-profit organizations received $5,000 to a vote at a Meeting of the Members. Votingeach persons through the Sharing Success that LCECshall is inbe other than members who areprogram natural persons alliance with CoBank. In addition, LCEC’s Donation/ allowed by the presentation to the Cooperative, prior Grant program contributed over $16,000 to schools, to or upon registration at each Member Meeting, groups, or organizations located in our service area.of satisfactory evidence entitling the person presenting During the month of December, LCEC issued to current the to vote. Voting areover andsame past members capitalauthorization credit checks forms totaling $3.4 million for those with service inoffice 1997. at LCEC hasWest available at the Cooperative’s main 1300 retired over $54 million in capital credits. Avenue D, Lovington, New Mexico, and at the district Oninbehalf the Plains board or of trustees, offices Tatumofand by callingmanagement, 575-396-3631. and employees, we would like to thank you, the IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Notice has been issued member, for your patience in accepting the changes in by thewe Secretary-Treasurer the Lea County Electric how do business. As weof adapt to our ever-changing Cooperative, Inc.,plans and its seal hereon world and make forcorporate what lies ahead, one thing impressed thisconstant 26th day of March 2021. to serving that remains is our commitment you.
John Graham
Bobby Ferris
Board of Trustees
& General Manager
DanPresident, Hardin, Secretary-Treasurer Executive Vice President
BOARD OF DIRECTORS STATEMENTS OF INCOME STATEMENTS OF INCOME, COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, President AND PATRONAGE CAPITAL FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2019 AND 2018 Spouse: Jeanine Board Member since 2012 Representing District 1 Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 Increase 2019 Occupation: Businessman/ Amount % Amount % (Decrease) Amount Newspaper$Publisher 10,239,974 11.4 $ 10,433,219 10.9 $ (193,245) $ 10,433,219
OPERATING REVENUES Residential Irrigation Commercial and Industrial Public Buildings and Other Authorities Accrued Unbilled Revenue Power Cost (Over) Under Collected Other Operating Revenues Total Operating Revenues
1
13,742,740 60,429,972 1,045,467 (835,562) 3,635,563 602,750 88,860,904
ROBERT CAUDLE
15.5 68.0 1.2 (0.9) 4.1 0.7 100.0 $
$ Vice-President OPERATING EXPENSES Spouse: Joyce Purchased Power $ 66,340,347 74.7 Transmission Board Member 957,563 since 19841.1 Distribution - Operation 4,785,802 5.4 Representing District Distribution - Maintenance 1,369,158 1 1.5 Customer Accounts 924,123 1.0 Customer Service and InformationOccupation: Landman 42,524 0.0 Sales Administrative and General Depreciation and Amortization Cost of Removal Interest Credit - Cost of Removal Restricted Funds Earnings Taxes Other Interest and Deductions Total Operating Expenses
17,305 4,172,740 4,625,463 2,378,226
1
OPERATING MARGINS - Before Fixed Charges FIXED CHARGES Interest on Long-Term Debt OPERATING MARGINS - After Fixed Charges Capital Credits NET OPERATING MARGINS
(917,610)
67,725 DAN HARDIN116,541
NONOPERATING ITEMS Interest Income Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property
0.0 4.7 5.2 2.7
(1.0) 0.1 0.1 95.5 $
$ 84,879,907 Secretary-Treasurer Spouse: Sandy $ 3,980,997 4.5 Board Member since 2004 1,881,580 4 2.1 Representing District Occupation: Finance
4
$
71,676,969 808,319 5,724,481 1,178,477 1,025,503 65,799 41,076 4,338,468 4,480,023 2,330,820
74.9 0.8 6.0 1.2 1.1 0.1 0.0 4.5 4.7 2.4
(980,157) 78,561 122,541 90,890,880
(1.0) 0.1 0.1 94.9 $
4,856,540
5.1
1,941,382
2.0
$
2,915,158
3.1
2,099,417
2,046,684
2.3
2,053,116
2.1
$
4,146,101
4.7
$
4,968,274
1.2
$
16,805 0.0 Spouse: Elaine $ 1,063,458 1.2 $ Board Member since 20135.9 $ NET MARGINS $ 5,209,559 Representing District 1 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Current Year APBO Valuation Adjustment (3,669) Occupation: Businessman/Oil Post-Retirement Benefit Amortization (64,268) & Gas Services COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $ 5,141,622 $ Post-Retirement Benefit Adjustment
1
PATRONAGE CAPITAL - BEGINNING OF YEAR Patronage Capital Retired PATRONAGE CAPITAL - END OF YEAR
13.3 78.3 1.3 0.1 (4.6) 0.7 100.0 $
$
KENNETH$ WALLACE 1,046,653
2.4
$
12,715,669 74,994,540 1,213,322 105,299 (4,385,938) 671,309 95,747,420
$
(5,336,622) 149,244 (938,679) 190,681 (101,380) (23,275) (23,771) (165,728) 145,440 47,406
3
$ $
12,715,669 74,994,540 1,213,322 105,299 (4,385,938) 671,309 95,747,420 71,676,969 808,319 5,724,481 1,178,477 1,025,503 65,799 41,076 4,338,468 4,480,023 2,330,820
5
62,547 (10,836) (6,000) (6,010,973)
$
(980,157) 78,561 122,541 90,890,880
(875,543)
$
4,856,540
$
(59,802) $
(815,741)
5.2
$
1,321,784 18,778 1,340,562
1.4 0.0 1.4
$
6,308,836
6.6
1,941,382
(1.0)
5.2
$
$
(275,131) (1,973) (277,104)
$
1,321,784 18,778 1,340,562
$
(1,099,277)
$
6,308,836
6,786,882
$
6,786,882
96,232,598
95,163,596
95,163,596
7
(5,239,834) 96,232,598
(5,239,834) $
96,232,598
NEW MEXICO
179,457 (1,022,553) 2,323,830 (18,009) 553,906 (6,383,211) (148,142) (4,514,722)
(931,033)
1.0 0.1 0.0 4.3 4.2 2.3
29,988 (5,117) 14,482 23,148 230,980 72,582
(0.9) 0.1 0.1 93.6 $
(49,124) 9,087 57,013 (2,870,828)
94.9 $ Kaitlin 93,761,708 Spouse: Board Member since 2015 5.1 $ 6,500,434 6.4 $ (1,643,894) Representing District 6 Occupation: Ranching2.0 2.0 1,998,187 (56,805)
2.1
527,953 (49,907)
995,515 70,916 26,594 4,315,320 4,249,043 2,258,238
69,474 CJ 0.1 KINSOLVING 0.1 65,528
2,053,116
(478,046)
$
1.1 0.1 0.0 4.5 4.7 2.4
4,968,274
527,953 (49,907)
10.2 $ 13.7 72.5 1.2 (0.4) 2.0 0.8 100.0 $
Increase (Decrease)
RANDALL McCORMICK
$
6
10,253,762 13,738,222 72,670,710 1,231,331 (448,607) 1,997,273 819,451 100,262,142
%
Spouse: Sandra Board Member since 2016 74.9 $ 75,619,429 75.4 $ (3,942,460) 0.8 830,885 (22,566) Representing District0.8 5 6.0 4,663,922 4.7 1,060,559 Occupation: Businessman 1.2 1,527,877 1.5 (349,400)
(822,173)
(478,046)
97,588,282
10.9 $ 13.3 78.3 1.3 0.1 (4.6) 0.7 100.0 $
2,915,158
(6,432)
2018 Amount
%
$
67,937
(3,853,875) $
1,027,071 (14,564,568) (167,855) (940,861) 8,021,501 (68,559) (6,886,516)
TRAVIS GLENN
Spouse: Tonya Board Member since 2016 Representing District 3 Occupation: Businessman
3.1
$
$
4,502,247
4.4
2,175,555
2.2
6,677,802
6.6
$
(1,587,089)
$
(1,709,528)
(122,439)
CHARLES W. GARNER 1.4 $ 835,853 0.8 $ II485,931
0.0 (2,270) 0.0 21,048 Spouse: 1.4 $ Christy 833,583 0.8 $ 506,979 Board 2014 6.6 $Member 7,511,385since 7.4 $ (1,202,549) Representing District 7 (368,075) Occupation: Farming & Ranching (61,038) $
7,082,272 429,113 92,931,463
JASON SWANN (5,279,252)
Spouse: $ Erin 95,163,596 Board Member since 2018 Representing District 8 Occupation: Banking
8
DISTRICT Robert Caudle John Graham
Randall McCormick
Kenneth Wallace
CJ Kinsolving
Travis Glenn
Charles W. Garner II
Dan Hardin
Jason Swann
ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT2020 2020
LEACOUNTY COUNTYELECTRIC ELECTRICCOOPERATIVE COOPERATIVE LEA
-4LEA COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
JOHN GRAHAM
NOTICE OF ANNUAL BALANCEMEETING SHEETS -3LEA COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2019 AND 2018
nominations of Trustees was prepared and posted at the office of Lea County Electric Cooperative, Inc., 1300 West Avenue D, Lovington, New Mexico, and each district office. In addition, on Nominations 2020 2019 a Committee 2018 UTILITY PLANT AT COST was appointed and met on March 10, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. Utility Plant in Service $ 225,986,394 $ 215,506,570 $ 204,539,255 Construction Work in Progress 4,649,655 of placing 7,141,314in nomination 5,203,478 candidate(s) for the purpose Contributions in Aid of Construction (50,799,738) (47,613,513) (41,682,100) $ 179,836,311 175,034,371 168,060,633 for the election of$ one Trustee$ from District Five for the Less: Accumulated Provision for Depreciation 74,490,351 73,735,376 72,321,227 2021$meeting. of said nominations 105,345,960 A $list101,298,995 $ 95,739,406 for Trustee has been prepared and posted at the office of Lea County OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS Non-Utility Property (At Cost) $ 46,482 $ 46,482 $ 46,482 Electric Cooperative, Inc. at 1300 West Avenue D, Investments inof Associated 33,199,056 31,252,866 29,284,981 TO: All Members LeaOrganizations County Other Investments 5,278,077 2,631,691 6,587,939 Lovington, New Mexico, and each district office. Special Funds - Restricted 37,950,661 37,035,320 36,072,793 Electric Cooperative, Inc. Employee Benefit Funds - Restricted 2,409,046 to the 2,028,595 1,684,108 According bylaws, other nominations may Post-Retirement Benefits 2,577,298 2,150,824 1,474,642 $ 81,460,620 $ 75,145,778 be made by petition signed by$ 1575,150,945 or more members CURRENT ASSETS Notice is hereby given that the combined acting no less573,255 than 20 prior to the Cash $ together, 743,442 $ $ days 971,520 Temporary Investments - Cash Equivalents 11,400,444 13,923,680 7,487,958 2020/2021 Annual Meeting of Members of Lea County date of the annual meeting of members. Temporary Investments - Other 2,786,000 6,982,000 A list of any Accounts and Notes Receivable (Less allowance for uncollectibles 12,615,012 Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held Friday, April 23, nominations by petition will likewise be prepared of $244,646 in 2019 and $341,686 in 2018) 12,177,924 12,352,387 Accruedof Unbilled Revenue 341,462 7,643,993 7,538,694those by the 2021, at the hours 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., MDT, and posted. All nominations, including Materials and Supplies 2,823,957 2,760,877 2,883,552 Other Current and Accrued Assets 346,536 352,416 and those 421,763 at 1300 W. Avenue D, Lovington, New Mexico, the Lea Committee on Nominations by petition, will $ 35,079,284 $ 40,218,145 $ 38,637,874 County Electric Cooperative’s main office. The meeting be submitted to and acted upon by the membership DEFERRED DEBITS $ 865,818 $ 999,168 $ 1,181,794 will be conducted in a drive-through process that at the Annual Meeting. A statement of the number of ASSETS $ 222,751,682 $ 217,662,086 210,710,019 will minimizeTOTAL contact and adhere to the COVID Safe Trustees to be elected and the$ names and addresses EQUITIES AND LIABILITIES Business Practices as well as comply with the current of the candidates (the nominations made by the Public HealthEQUITIES Orders. In addition, follow the bylaws of Committee on Nominations and nominations made Memberships $ 36,700 $ 36,320 $ 35,865 the Cooperative and Capital conduct Co-op business as well by petition, if any, being listed separately Patronage 97,588,282 96,232,598 95,163,596 as required Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 693,596 761,533 283,487 as ratify the 2020 elected Trustees, elect 2021 Trustee, in the bylaws) mailed to the2,096,696 members with this Other Equities 2,096,696 will be 2,096,696 $ 100,415,274 $ 99,127,147 $ 97,579,644 and the transaction of such other business as may come Notice of the Annual Meeting. LONG-TERM DEBT RUS Mortgage Notes Less Current $ $ 1,119,403 before the meeting. Registration ofMaturities members will be Article III, Section 5990,099 of the $Bylaws states in part: FFB Notes Less Current Maturities 57,306,516 59,106,242 60,944,695 held on Friday,CFC April 23,Notes 2021, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 Mortgage Lessfrom Current Maturities 1,075,477 1,267,137 qualifies 1,436,512 Each person who otherwise and who wishes CoBank Mortgage Notes Less Current Maturities 1,289,273 1,563,495 1,819,491 p.m., MDT. to vote shall register(11,817,676) for the member meeting and shall RUS Advance Payments (1,036,245) (11,302,276) $ 58,635,021 $ 51,109,297 $ 54,017,825 The business session of the meeting will be be entitled to only one vote on each matter submitted REMOVAL LIABILITY $ 44,330,720 $ 42,576,964 $ 41,091,037 streamed liveCOST onOFthe Lea County Electric Facebook to a vote at a Meeting of the Members. Voting persons LIABILITIES page at 6:00CURRENT p.m., MDT, at which the following will other than members who are natural persons shall be Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt $ 2,330,000 $ 2,552,000 $ 2,486,000 Accounts Payable Purchased Power 5,856,015 5,395,315 be addressed: 1) the establishment of a quorum; 2) allowed by the presentation to the Cooperative, prior Accounts Payable - Other 5,867,038 2,116,366 894,746 a reading of the secretary’s Notice of the meeting Power Cost - Over Collected 1,595,362 4,889,462 503,524 Meeting, of to or upon registration at each Member Consumer Deposits 2,980,794 2,459,610 2,455,506 and proof of mailing to members; 3) approval of satisfactory evidence entitling the person presenting Other Current and Accrued Liabilities 1,667,018 1,654,767 1,620,440 $ 14,440,212 $ 19,528,220 $ 13,355,531 minutes of the 2019 Annual Meeting; presentation and the same to vote. Voting authorization forms are DEFERRED CREDITS $ 4,930,455 $ 5,320,458 $ consideration of reports from officers, trustees, and available at the Cooperative’s main4,665,982 office at 1300 West AND LIABILITIES $ 222,751,682 $ 217,662,086 $ 210,710,019 committees;TOTAL 4) a EQUITIES ratification from the members of two Avenue D, Lovington, New Mexico, and at the district Trustees, one from District One and one from District Six offices in Tatum and Plains or by calling 575-396-3631. for the year 2020 Annual Meeting; and 5) an election by IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Notice has been issued the membership of a Trustee from District Five for the by the Secretary-Treasurer of the Lea County Electric year 2021 Annual Meeting. Cooperative, Inc., and its corporate seal hereon Pursuant to Article IV, Section 4 of the Bylaws, impressed this 26th day of March 2021. a Committee on Nominations, was appointed, and met on March 10, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose of placing in nomination candidates for the election of two Trustees; one from District One and one from District Six for the 2020 meeting. A list of said Dan Hardin, Secretary-Treasurer ASSETS
LEA LEACOUNTY COUNTYELECTRIC ELECTRICCOOPERATIVE COOPERATIVE
ANNUALREPORT REPORT2020 2020 ANNUAL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS JOHN GRAHAM
-5LEA COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
President STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Spouse: JeanineFOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2019 AND 2018 Board Member since 2012 Representing District 1 Occupation: Businessman/ 2020 Newspaper CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATINGPublisher ACTIVITIES Net Margins 1 Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Depreciation Cost of Removal Accruals - Gross Vice-President Post-Retirement Benefits Capital Credits Spouse: Joyce Power Cost Recovery Board Member since 1984 Deferred Debits Deferred Credits Representing District 1 Accounts and Notes Receivable Inventories and Prepaid Expenses Occupation: Landman Payables and Other Accrued Liabilities Net Cash From Operating Activities
$
5,209,559
$
5,037,996 2,378,226 (814,792) (2,046,684) (3,635,562) 133,350 (390,003) 398,474 (57,200) (1,571,908) 4,641,456
ROBERT CAUDLE
1
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Additions to Utility Plant Cost of Removal Incurred Contributions and Other Additions to Cost of Removal Secretary-Treasurer Salvage and Other Credits Other PropertySpouse: and Investments Sandy Net Cash From Investing Activities
$
DAN HARDIN
$
Board Member since 2004 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Representing District 4 Payments on Long-Term Debt to RUS - Scheduled Occupation: Finance Payments on Long-Term Debt to RUS - Advance Payments
$
Payments on Long-Term Debt to FFB Payments on Long-Term Debt to CFC 4 Payments on Long-Term Debt to CoBank Advance on Long-Term Debt from FFB Payments on Behalf of Retirees Retirement of Patronage Capital Memberships Spouse: Elaine Net Cash From Financing Activities
KENNETH WALLACE $
Board Member since 2013 District 1 CHANGE IN CASHRepresenting AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Occupation: Businessman/Oil CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF YEAR & Gas Services CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF YEAR
$
(9,162,993) (713,062) 88,592 78,032 (3,461,233) (13,170,664) (1,153,099) 10,781,431 (11,891,726) (176,660) (256,222) 10,000,000 (60,070) (3,853,875) 380 3,390,159 (5,139,049)
3$
9,357,886
December 31, 2019 6,308,836
2018 $
7,511,385
4,884,889 4,731,704 RANDALL McCORMICK 2,330,820 2,258,238
Spouse: (482,525)Sandra (56,109) (2,053,116) (2,175,555) Board Member since 2016 4,385,938 (1,997,273) Representing District 5 182,626 246,391 654,476 2,473,299 Occupation: Businessman 69,164 (4,147,074)
$
5 $
$ $
6
192,022 1,720,751 18,193,881
$
(79,079) (2,410,493) 6,355,434
(10,472,377) $ (9,449,649) (889,912) (417,570) 45,019 104,018 Spouse: Kaitlin 27,899 112,958 Board Member since 2015 7,274,952 (1,686,723) (4,014,419) $ (11,336,966)
CJ KINSOLVING
Representing District 6 Occupation: Ranching (123,304) (515,400) (1,790,453) (169,375) (243,996)
$
(60,098)
(124,626) (547,598) (1,706,861) (365,735) (526,241) 8,312,763 (76,616) (5,279,252) 225 (313,941)
CHARLES W. GARNER II (5,239,834)
$ $
14,496,935 $
TRAVIS GLENN
Spouse: Tonya Board Member since 2016 Representing District 3 Occupation: Businessman
$
455Christy Spouse: (8,142,005) $ Board Member since 2014 Representing 7 6,037,457 $ District (5,295,473) Occupation: Farming & Ranching 8,459,478 13,754,951 14,496,935
$
8,459,478
7
1
JASON SWANN
NEW MEXICO
8
DISTRICT Robert Caudle John Graham
Randall McCormick
Kenneth Wallace
CJ Kinsolving
Travis Glenn
Charles W. Garner II
Dan Hardin
Jason Swann
ANNUAL ANNUALREPORT REPORT2020 2020
LEACOUNTY COUNTYELECTRIC ELECTRICCOOPERATIVE COOPERATIVE LEA
Spouse: Erin Board Member since 2018 Representing District 8 Occupation: Banking
Annual Meeting Registration Card Annual Meeting
Annual MeetingCard Registration Lea County ElectricRegistration Card Cooperative, Lea County Electric Inc. P.O. Drawer Cooperative, Inc.1447
Lovington, New Mexico 88260 P.O. Drawer 1447 Lovington, New Mexico 88260 “Owned By Those We Serve” “Owned By Those We Serve”
BE SURE TO BRING THIS CARD WITH YOU TO REGISTER! BE SURE TO BRING THIS CARD WITH YOU TO REGISTER!
Be sure to bring this card with you to register at the Meeting
71st & 72nd Annual Meeting 71st & 72nd Annual Meeting Drive-Through Drive-Through Due to COVID-19, Lea County Electric Cooperative will hold a
Due to non-traditional, COVID-19, Lea County Electric Cooperative will hold drive-through Annual Meeting this ayear. non-traditional, drive-through Annual Meeting this year. MEETING FORMAT WILL COMPLY WITH COVID-19 SAFE BUSINESS PRACTICES MEETING FORMAT WILL COMPLY WITH COVID-19 SAFE BUSINESS PRACTICES Friday, April 23, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (MDT) Friday, AprilOffice 23, 2021 at 8:00 to 5:00 p.m. (MDT)NM 88260 LCEC Main at 1300 W. a.m. Avenue D, Lovington, LCEC Main Office at 1300 W. Avenue D, Lovington, NM 88260
GRAND PRIZE GRAND PRIZE
2014 CHEVY SILVERADO 2014 CHEVY SILVERADO Registration is also available at Tatum and Plains office lobbies during business hours. Registration is also available at Tatum and Plains office lobbies during business hours. Register at any LCEC office to receive a registration gift, vote, and be entered to win the Register at any LCECLovington, office to receive a registration vote, and beregistration entered to process. win the Tatum, grand prize! NM office will host agift, drive-through grandNM, prize! Lovington, NM office will host a drive-through registration process. Tatum, and Plains, TX offices will have lobbies open for registration. Registering at any office NM, and Plains, TX offices will have registration. at any office will make youlobbies eligibleopen to befor entered to winRegistering the grand prize. will make you eligible to be entered to win the grand prize. The business portion will be streamed live on Facebook at 6:00 p.m. (MDT) The business portion will be streamed live on Facebook at 6:00 p.m. (MDT) This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
PLUGGED IN
30 Ways to a More Efficient You By Danielle Brusby
Traditionally, the beginning of spring signaled a time to deep clean one’s home after a long winter. According to The Washington Post, the year’s first big clean historically took place in spring because winter left many homes coated with “a layer of soot and grime.” In 1925, only half of all U.S. households had electricity, meaning the others were heated with coal or wood, with lamps presumably lit with whale oil or kerosene. Imagine the residue that built up in a home over a long winter, and be happy you live in a world where you don’t have to clean up after that mess. Technology and electricity have made spring cleaning significantly less grimy. We now live in a world where we need to be more concerned with the mess we are leaving our children and grandchildren in the form of environmental effects created by the sheer amount of electricity we use daily. This spring, work to decrease your energy footprint. Simple changes can make a big difference over the life of a home— and there is no better time to take steps toward a healthier utility bill and a cleaner environment.
2. Switch off lights when leaving the room. It’s an easy way for every member of your household to contribute to energy savings. 3. Close windows and shades when you’re not home. This helps keep the spring and summer sun from heating up your home, forcing your AC to work harder.
1. Unplug items from the wall and turn off power strips. Many devices use electricity even when turned off, including TVs, printers, chargers, copiers, coffee makers, microwaves and lamps. 18
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11. Keep your refrigerator and freezer stocked. A full fridge and freezer cuts electricity use by acting as insulation. 12. Use LED lighting. Residential LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.
PHOTO BY NEST
4. Use a programmable thermostat. Set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature, but program it to raise and lower the temperature when you are away from home or sleeping to save on heating and cooling costs.
13. Wash laundry in cold water. Today’s washing machines are designed to work efficiently with cold water. You can save up to $60 a year by selecting the cold water setting when you wash. 14. Keep your computer in sleep mode. You may be done using it, but if not set on sleep mode, the computer still uses electricity.
5. Use dimmer switches. Dimmer switches reduce the flow of electricity, saving you energy and money. 6. Lower your water heater temperature. For safety and efficiency, set your water heater thermostat to 120 F. 7. Weatherstrip exterior doors and windows. Sealing air leaks around doors and windows saves energy and can reduce heating and cooling costs 10% to 30%.
PHOTO BY SCOTT VAN OSDOL
10. Use ceiling fans, but only when you’re in the room. Fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a windchill effect. If the room is unoccupied, turn off the ceiling fan to save energy.
8. Line dry your laundry. Line drying your clothes saves around $1.08 a load. While that doesn’t seem like much, a family that does five to 10 loads of laundry a week can save between $280 and $560 a year. 9. Turn off the heat dry on your dishwasher. Allow dishes to air dry to save energy and money on your electricity bill.
ISTOCK/JUANMONINO
15. Upgrade outdated appliances with Energy Star appliances. Look for newer, more energy-efficient models. The energy savings and tax rebates available will be worth the initial cost. 16. Turn off the air conditioner. Depending on where you live, using your air conditioner may be unnecessary— especially in spring and early summer. enchantment.coop
Search out ways to reduce your electricity use to save dollars and reduce your environmental footprint. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY TIERNEY
21. Insulate your electric water heater. This can reduce standby heat loss 25% to 45% and save 7% to 16% in water-heating costs.
PHOTO BY EMBERTEC
17. Plug electronics into a smart power strip. Replace standard power strips with advanced power strips. Smart power strips can detect when a device is in standby mode and cut power off to save energy. A standard power strip must be physically turned off when not in use. 18. Fix leaky faucets. One drop a second can cost you up to $35 a year and wastes 1,661 gallons of water. 19. Use wool or rubber dryer balls. This helps reduce drying time and cuts down on static. Bonus: Wool dryer balls also absorb extra moisture and are an alternative to dryer sheets. 20. Limit your oven use. To save energy, use a slow cooker, air fryer, microwave or toaster oven instead of the oven. enchantment.coop
22. If your toilet was manufactured before 1995, replace it. Newer ones come with many water-saving options and use a fraction of the water as older counterparts. 23. Properly insulate your attic. Insulation reduces heat losses and gains, saving you money and improving comfort. 24. Install outdoor solar lighting. These are easy to install and are practically maintenance free. Bonus: Using them won’t increase your electric bill. 25. Empty the dryer lint-trap. It removes a fire hazard and contributes to efficiency.
PHOTO BY NRECA
28. Change your HVAC filters frequently. As your filter traps more dirt, dust and allergens, efficiency decreases. A good rule of thumb is to change filters every 90 days. 29. Use lids when cooking. Food cooks faster, so you can turn off your stove sooner.
26. Install low-flow showerheads. Your family will use less water, saving precious water and money.
30. When in doubt, have an energy audit conducted on your home. This will help you decide what additional home maintenance tasks can help you save on future energy bills.
27. Plant trees and shrubs. The proper vegetation provides shade to a home’s east, south and west sides, and can provide a windbreak on the north side.
When it comes to saving energy, every little bit counts. Make small changes now, and you will be on your way to seeing a lower electric bill in the future. APRIL 2021
19
on the menu I By Sue Hutchison
Healthy, Hearty Meals Winter’s final push in New Mexico may still be in our sights, yet we long for the promise of steady warmth. Ranchers are busy branding, livestock vaccinating, fence-mending and readying all-things ranching for the welcome summer months. Home-cooked meals are a treasure whether coming in from a long day of ranch work, home garden preparation or a day at the office. Home cooking should be anything but boring. Hearty Shrimp Scampi suggests not only easy fare to prepare after a long workday but a unique mealtime star. By using whole wheat pasta, over-the-top nutrition adds to the enchanting taste. Parmesan Zucchini Chips offer both a healthful side dish alternative and fun method of involving children in meal preparation. Finally, step-by-step Rustic Blueberry-Cornbread Pudding is a delicious alternative for using leftover cornbread and is a distinctive spin on traditional Bread Pudding. Send the cold winter months out in style!
Hearty Shrimp Scampi 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, chopped 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 cups chicken broth 2 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cups fresh spinach 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced 8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti, cooked Garnish: large ground pepper, dried parsley flakes, capers
In a heavy skillet, heat oil and add onion and garlic until soft. Add shrimp and cook until pink and firm. Remove to spare dish to stay warm. In the skillet, pour in broth; and add butter and lemon juice. Warm until butter is melted. Add spinach and mushrooms. Stir gently until spinach is wilted and mushrooms are soft. Stir shrimp and pasta together. Place in a serving dish; sprinkle with pepper, capers and parsley. Serve warm.
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Parmesan-Zucchini Chips 3-4 tablespoons olive oil 2-3 medium-sized zucchini, chopped into thin discs
2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning 3-4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Heat a large griddle. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the olive oil on the surface. In a bowl, toss zucchini discs, remaining olive oil and seasoning until coated. Place in a single layer on the griddle, turning when the bottoms are golden brown. Place the discs on a serving plate when fried; sprinkle cheese generously on top. Serve warm.
enchantment.coop
Rustic Blueberry-Cornbread Pudding Cornbread 1 cup cornmeal 1 cup all-purpose flour 1⁄3 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt 1 cup milk ¼ cup vegetable oil 1 egg
Pudding sauce ¼ cup maple syrup 4 eggs 1 teaspoon Mexican (white) vanilla 2 cups whole milk
¼ teaspoon salt ¼ cup brown sugar, packed, plus 2 tablespoons to sprinkle 1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen, rinsed and thawed
Topping 2 tablespoons butter 1⁄3 cup brown sugar ½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg 1-2 tablespoons brandy (if desired) ½ cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare oblong baking dish with butterflavored cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, mix dry cornbread ingredients. In a smaller bowl, stir milk, oil and egg together until incorporated. Mix wet and dry ingredients together until just blended. Place in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until top is golden and inserted toothpick comes out clean. Reduce oven to 325 degrees. Cool and cube enough cornbread to make 3 cups. Spread cubes out on a baking sheet to dry. For pudding preparation and sauce: Prepare a round, 10-inch, deep-dish pie plate with butter-flavored cooking spray. Whisk together syrup, eggs, vanilla, milk salt and brown sugar. Add cubed cornbread and blueberries and gently stir. Let mixture soak together 10 minutes, or until bread has absorbed the liquid. Add a little milk if necessary, to ensure complete soaking. Place in the prepared pie plate and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Bake for 80-90 minutes, or until top is lightly golden and
enchantment.coop
Sue Hutchison was born and raised a block from the freeway in Southern California. She had an early start with industrial, largescale cooking before the age of 20. She's always been both a beach bum and at home in the kitchen, where she enjoys making new creations.
pudding doesn’t move when slightly jiggled. While baking, prepare topping by melting butter and brown sugar in a small pan. Stir in blueberries, cinnamon, nutmeg and brandy until blueberries can be slightly mashed. Serve bread pudding warm; drizzle topping over each serving.
APRIL 2021
21
Include Safety in Spring Project Plans With spring just around the corner, there has never been a better time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Perhaps you have plans for a new garden or a lawn makeover. No matter how you plan to revamp your backyard oasis, remember to keep safety in mind for all projects—especially those that require digging near underground utility lines. Most of us never think about the electric, gas, water and other utility lines buried below the ground. Hitting one of them while digging is not the reminder you want. Your electric cooperative reminds all members to call 811 at least three business days before starting a digging project. You also can submit a request online by visiting www.nm811.org. Here’s how the process works: After you call 811 or submit your request online, all affected utilities are notified of your intent to dig. It may take the utilities a few days to get to your request, so please be patient. The affected utilities will send personnel out to mark the buried lines with paint or flags. Before you break ground, confirm that all the utilities have responded to your request. If you placed your request by phone, use the process explained by your 811 call center representative. If you submitted your request online, refer to your 811. By taking this important step before you break ground on your project, you help protect not only yourself, but your community. Disrupting an underground utility line can interrupt service, cause injuries and cost money to repair. Call 811 first and know what’s below.
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enchantment.coop
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APRIL 2021
23
Look Up! Be Safe Around Electricity Never take for granted the location of power lines— and always stay clear of people or objects who are in contact with electricity By Pam Blair
W
hen electricity comes into contact with a person or something he or she is touching, the results can be deadly. On March 10, 2019, baseball coach Corey Crum and his wife, Shana, were killed and their 14-year-old son, Chase, was injured when they were electrocuted while installing concrete pilings for a new scoreboard at a Florida high school. Like many places in the Florida Panhandle, the Liberty County High School baseball field in Bristol was heavily damaged when Hurricane Michael—a Category 4 storm—struck in October. Along with members of the baseball team, parents and community volunteers, the Crums had gathered for a work day. Corey, who was in the construction business, donated the pilings and the labor to install them, in anticipation of the new scoreboard being placed later that week. “Coach Crum was operating a boom lift and unloading a piece of equipment from a trailer when the boom of the lift made contact with overhead power lines,” the Liberty County Sheriff ’s Office posted on its Facebook site. “This electrified the boom lift, electrocuting Coach Crum. The coach’s wife then attempted to aid him, and was also electrocuted. Their son also attempted to help the two, and he was electrocuted and injured.” The couple died at the scene. Chase was hospitalized and later released. Your Own Safety Must Come First When seeing a loved one in distress, the instinct is to rush in to help. But when the distress is a result of contact with electricity, that is the wrong move. Touching a person who is still in contact with an electrical source may pass the current through you—and you cannot help if you become another victim. First responders to an accident
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APRIL 2021
Work Safely Near Lines Locate all overhead power lines. Keep yourself and equipment 10 feet away from overhead lines. X Do not touch anything that is in contact with the power line— including other people. X Beware of fencing near power lines. X Carry ladders and other long, metal equipment horizontally. X Lower tall equipment apparatuses before driving. X Never spray water near power lines. X Do not trim or climb trees near power lines. X Stay at least 35 feet away from fallen power lines. X X
involving downed power lines on the ground, draped across a car or touching a piece of equipment also face the possibility of a deadly electric shock. Electricity can be an invisible killer. You do not have to touch a live wire to suffer serious electrical injury or death. In fact, you can be electrocuted by just walking within 35 feet of a downed power line because of “step potential.” That term refers to the difference in voltage in energized ground. Electricity spreads through the ground in invisible rippling rings, like a stone dropped in water. The voltage is highest in the ring closest to the power source. It dissipates to progressively lower voltages the further out it goes. If someone steps from one voltage ring to another, electricity can surge through them—up one leg, through their body and down through their other leg. A person whose body connects two different voltage points completes the circuit and becomes the path for the current. A human hand touching someone who is in contact with a live wire and enchantment.coop
An Illinois asphalt truck operator raised the bed so he could clean the tailgate area, contacting the overhead power lines. Miraculously, the operator was shocked three times and survived. The truck, above and opposite page, was destroyed. PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEVE HANCOCK, CORN BELT ENERGY CORP.
the ground completes the circuit. The same is true of a television antenna, a metal ladder, an irrigation pipe, a damp wooden pole or a tall piece of machinery. Failure to notice high-voltage power lines can be a deadly oversight. An asphalt truck operator in Illinois made what could have been three deadly mistakes when he came in contact with 7,200 volts of electricity a few years ago. The operator did not notice the overhead power lines when he raised the truck bed and stepped to the back of the truck to clean the tailgate area. As electricity coursed through his body, he was blown away from the truck into a ditch. He got up to go back to the truck to retrieve something, and was shocked a second time. He made another attempt, and again was blown away from the truck. “Believe it or not he survived,” says Steve Hancock, vice president of electric distribution for Corn Belt Energy Corp. and presenter of the live line electrical safety demonstration for the Bloomington, Indiana, cooperative. enchantment.coop
If Possible, Stay In the Car In accidents that bring down power lines, instinct tells us to flee danger. However, unless the vehicle is in imminent risk of catching on fire, it is best to stay in your vehicle, call 911 and wait for help. “Knowing what actions to take to stay safe can make the difference between life and death,” says Molly Hall, executive director of the Energy Education Council and its Safe Electricity program. “After any car wreck, it is natural for people to want to get out of the car. However, when the wreck involves a power pole, that is the exact wrong thing to do.” If you are involved or come upon an accident involving toppled power poles and lines, don’t leave your vehicle. Although the inclination is to step in and help the injured, if the line is energized and you step out of the car, your body becomes the path for the electricity, and you can be electrocuted. Similarly, you can be shocked while standing outside the vehicle and tending to an accident victim. That is because the
Be alert to the presence of overhead power lines. PHOTO BY MIKE TEEGARDEN
voltage in the ground may be lower than the voltage in the vehicle. Wait for trained assistance to arrive or you could become an additional victim. While downed lines can sometimes show they are live with electricity by arcing and sparking, this is not always the case. Live power lines do not always show signs such as arcing or sparking. Treat all downed lines as energized. If the vehicle is on fire—or you smell gas, and have reason to believe the car is going to ignite—jump from the vehicle, with both feet hitting the ground at the same time. Do not run or merely step out, and do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Hop or shuffle to safety, keeping both feet together as you leave the area so one foot won’t be in a higher voltage zone than another. Stepping from one voltage level to another allows the body to become a path for the electricity. A large difference in voltage between both feet could kill you. Knowing this can mean the difference between life and death. A P R I L 2021
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THE MARKET PLACE CHICKENS FOR SALE in Portales, NM, four month old red pullets, $8 to $10 each. Call Smokey Ball at 575-749-3471.
Animals NOT ALL WATER TANKS are created equal! Are quality, value and longevity important to you? Buy high specific gravity, heavyweight, long warranty, superior black NRCS tanks. Lowest prices only provide minimum standards, lower weights and shorter warranties. Find out more! 575-430-1010. NEW MEXICO DRINKING WATER storage tanks, heavy-duty
black poly. Fittings customized to your needs. NRCS and EQUIP approved. High specific gravity, heavyweight, long warranty, algae resistant, black NRCS water tanks. Call 800-603-8272 or 575-682-2308.
RABBITS, ALL AGES AND SIZES. For pets, show, meat, fur. Polish, New Zealand, Californians. Cages, feeders, door latches, urine and wire guards. Call Gene at 505-906-1291 in Jamestown, New Mexico, at The Bunny Farm. All calls will be answered. BLACK ANGUS BULLS. Thick, easy
fleshing, low maintenance bulls for sale. Range raised at high elevation. Trich and fertility tested. Low birth weight and herd bulls available. 2-year-old bulls $2,200, yearlings $1,800. Good bulls. Call Bobby Salvo 575-642-0962.
LET US MARKET YOUR livestock. Live auction every Wednesday at 11 a.m. View online at dvauction.com, country bid or live auction. If you’ve got ’em, we’ll sell ’em. Call 575-374-2505. fivestateslivestockauction@gmail.com
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Equipment FISHING TACKLE WANTED: “Antique” lures, reels, rods, tackle
SADDLES AND TACK. Everything for the horse. Western & English tack bought and sold. Rancho Elisa Stables LLC, 500 Route 66 East, Moriarty, NM 87035. Call 505-832-5113. ranchoelisastablesfr@swcp.com
boxes. Pre-1950, please. Collector paying highest prices for “Grandpaw’s” tackle box. Lures $50 to $5,000 each. Reels $100 to $7,500 each. Send photos to tacklechaser@aol.com or call Rick at 575-354-0365.
MOUNTAIN-TOP GOATS, babies are on the ground milkers, bucks, babies, boer show wethers, weed eaters, cabrito and pets. Show quality Nubians, Mini Nubians, La Manchas, Mini La Manchas, Nigerian Dwarf and Boer goats. Also, Hair Sheep, Royal White and Painted Desert Cross. In Capitan, call 575-937-0342.
GREAT OFFER ON SOLAR submersible shallow/deep well pumps! NRCS approved with two-year warranty on selected pumps with affordable, easy installation! For a custom quote, call 505-429-3093 or email us at sales@solarsubmersiblewellpumps. com, 24/7 service. Order online at www.solarsubmersiblewellpumps.com
Business TILE, LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION. Quality
workmanship, reasonable prices. Ruidoso area. Call Graylan Townley 918-332-2235.
LOW-STEP TILE SHOWERS BUILT especially for you! Mountainair
and surrounding areas. Call 931-2012791 for free estimate. Ask for Ed. Great prices, beautiful showers. Any tile, any pattern! Old School or Schluter System. In business since the late 1900s. 931-201-2791.
SUNSET SADDLES OFFERS CUSTOM leatherwork; ie, saddles,
chaps, chinks, holsters, belts, etc. Also saddle & tack repair. Located in La Luz, New Mexico. Call 575-257-8874. sunsetsaddles@yahoo.com
WANTED: Elderly couple on a ranch needs live-in health care worker/ housekeeper. Call 505-419-6541 for more details.
DRINKING WATER STORAGE TANKS, heavy-duty black poly,
proven algae resistant. 125 to 11,000 gallons, NRCS and EQUIP approved. Please give us a chance to serve you! MasterCard or Visa accepted. Call 575682-2308 or 1-800-603-8272.
OVERHEAD FEED BINS. 1 to 4 compartment, 12 to 48 tons. Any size free-standing cattle guards, no footing needed. Emery Welding, Clayton, New Mexico. Call 575-374-2320 or 575-2077402. eweld98@yahoo.com IRRIGATION PIPE FOR SALE! 6”, 8”, 10” PVC and aluminum pipe. Half the price of new and ready for the field. More efficient and less time consuming. Also have alfalfa valves, hydrants, butterfly valves, T’s and elbows. Delivery available. Call/text Sierra, 575-770-8441. TWO-80 TON FEED BINS, one-18 ton feed bin, 1 unloading grain hopper, 6”x20’ auger, 8”x20’ auger, one-15 HP 3 phase electric motor, 1.4 ton feed cart with unloading auger. Call 505-3845163 for more information.
enchantment.coop
POULTRY WIRE PVC COATED WILL NOT RUST! Power poles vari-
ous lengths. Aircraft cable 5/16” and 1/4” various lengths. Frostless water faucets 3’ burial, $25 each. Call 505-384-5163 for more information.
FOR SALE: MTD SNOTHROWER
$485, Craftsman Snothrower $575, Maytag Gas Stove $75, Wheelchair/ Scooter Carrier w/ramp, new $185, Foldable Scooter w/lithium battery $985. Leave message 505-281-2189.
WANT TO BUY: Horse corral steel panel fence sections. Standard size 5 ft. high x 10 or 12 ft. long. Will pay per panel. Can pick up if local. Call Jerry 715-209-8651. BACKHOE FOR CAT SKIDSTER,
model BH160, like new, half price of new one. Call Ernie 505-492-9674 or 505-384-3056.
FOR SALE: TRIP-HOPPER FEEDER, Model #P-826, 750 lb capacity, $1,850.
OUTFITTERS LIGHTWEIGHT TENT, 14x16x5 ft walls, $250. Call 575-849-2844.
WANTED: 3-WHEEL ELECTRIC SCOOTER. Unable to walk. If by
chance, you have an electric scooter not being used to sell or donate, please call Lee 505-832-6812 in Moriarty, NM.
Great Finds BUYING OLD STUFF: gas pumps and parts 1960s or earlier, advertising signs, neon clocks, old car parts in original boxes, motor oil cans, license plate collections, Route 66 items, old metal road signs, odd and weird stuff. Fair prices paid. Have pickup, will travel. Gas Guy in Embudo, 505-852-2995. WHIRLPOOL WATER SOFTENER,
Model no. WHE 33 LE 33. New, never installed. $300. Taos area. Call 575-770-0140.
enchantment.coop
RAILROAD ITEMS WANTED: kero-
sene lanterns, brass locks, keys, badges, uniforms, bells, whistles, and pre-1950 employee timetables. Always seeking items from any early New Mexico railroad, especially D&RG, C&S, EP&NE, EP&SW, AT&SF, SP or Rock Island. Call Randy Dunson at 575-760-3341 or 575-356-6919.
WANTED: NEW MEXICO MOTORCYCLE LICENSE PLATES
1912-1970. Paying $100-$500 each. Also buying NM car plates 1900-1923. Visit NMplates.com for history and 4,500 photographs of NM plates. Bill Johnston, Box 1, Organ, NM 88052-0001. Bill@NMplates.com. Call 575-382-7804.
FISHING TACKLE WANTED: “Antique” lures, reels, rods, tackle
boxes. Pre-1950, please. Collector paying highest prices for “Grandpaw’s” tackle box. Lures $50 to $5,000 each. Reels $100 to $7,500 each. Send photos to: tacklechaser@aol.com or call Rick at 575-354-0365.
2000 BLACK MUSTANG GT,
5 speed, tan convertible, 23,000 miles —all highway, synthetic oil, new belts, battery, tires and fuel pump. Like new! $13,750. Call Patrick 720-205-8831. 2018 LOAD TRAIL, 16’ dove tail trailer, dual axles, spring-loaded ramps. Basically, brand new! Call Patrick 720-205-8831. STUFF FOR SALE: Scaffold 2 piece Pro Series. Berkeley well pump 1 HP 20 GPM. Husky 10,000# weight distributing hitch. Vertical air compressor, needs piston. Admiral 12” dual bevel mitre saw. Pressure washer, needs work. Homelite chain saws (2) - for parts. 1989 VW Cabriolet, Karman Collector Edition, extra parts, manual transmission. 2017 Cruze hatchback, 6 speed, manual transmission, 54 MPG!, 47,500 +/- miles. Capitan, NM. Call 575-640-5369, leave message. bishopnotaryservices@juno.com
HEADSTONES (I.E. CEMETERY MONUMENTS) is our business.
Over 1,000 designs. An eternal memory of a loved one. TAOS MOUNTAIN HERITAGE. Call 575-770-2507. taos_mt_heritage@msn.com www.taosmountainheritage.com
WANTED BY INDIVIDUAL: 351 Self loading Winchester. Please call Wes at 713-898-0985. BOOKS FOR SALE: Weapons Warfare, 24 Volumes, Illustrated; World War II, 24 Volumes, Illustrated; Civil War, 23 Volumes, Illustrated; Louis L’Amour, 100+ Hard Bound; Battles - Leaders Civil War, 4 Volumes, 750+ Pages. Call 915-803-8689.
Real Estate CONCHAS, 0 AND 00 RIDGE DRIVE. Two tracts with two lots per
each property (lots are 100x100 or .23 acre). Each tract has a permitted septic that has never been used. Electricity and co-op water nearby. $50,000 per tract. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
2 MOUNTAIN CABINS, 25+
acres at 8,000 feet, Wildhorse Ranch Subdivision, Pie Town, NM. Well on stream with 5,000 storage tank and fire hydrant. New Mexico hunting unit 13. To view this property, go to https://fsbo. com/listings/listings/show/id/520104/
WANTED! WORKING FAMILY FARMS AND RANCHES to list and
sell. Broker has over 45 years of experience working on a family farm in New Mexico and has been an owner and operator since 1988. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
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DATIL, TBD WEST OF HERRINGTON CANYON ROAD.
44.5160 acres vacant land. $32,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
CUERVO, 0 MESITA PASS ROAD. 148.13 acres in Mesita Ranch
Subdivision. Beautiful mesa views, perfect for homesite and or livestock. $85,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
MOUNTAIN VISTAS! RATON, NM. 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 1/2-base-
ment home. Custom woodwork, large screened-in porch, large front porch, small acreage. All rooms look out onto beautiful mountain vistas, mountain lake close by. Wild turkey roam through year-round, hear the elk bugle in the fall. Approximately 5 miles from Raton, off of Highway 72. Call 575-447-5578.
SAN ANTONIO, NM. 0 ZANJA ROAD. 4.66 acres irrigated farmland
RIBERA, 340 CR B41E. 32.674 acres with 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with custom accents, hay barn, two detached garages. Just over 20 of those acres are in alfalfa and grass hay production. Pecos River frontage. Scenic views and close to I-25. $695,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
SUMNER LAKE, 0 AND 00 RIVER RANCHES ROAD. At intersection
ROCIADA, ACROSS FROM PENDARIES GOLF RESORT.
NOGAL, TBD BARBER AVENUE.
with State Road 203. Price reduced! Two lots just over 20 acres each. Scenic views just west of lake. $18,000 per lot. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
CURRY, ROOSEVELT AND QUAY COUNTIES. In Clovis, Portales and
To Place a Classified Ad
Deadline
1. Mail ad and payment (Payable to NMRECA) NMRECA • enchantment 614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505 28
A P R I L 2 0 21
MAGDALENA, 47 ANGUS LOOP.
2.89 acres in townsite of Nogal. Co-op water and electricity nearby. $50,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
Tucumcari, or in the country. We want your properties to list and sell. Broker is life resident of Curry County and Clovis native. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
To Send and Pay Your Classified Ad
next to Rio Grande, views, miles of open space and parks. 2 homes, city utilities, dark skies, hospital and golf. Can split property. Take all for $350,000. Call owner, 505-550-3123. Magdalena Ranch Estates. Price further reduced! 11.04 acres with 3-bedroom, 2-bath home, horse barn and corrals. Beautiful mountain views. Abundant ATV and hunting opportunities nearby. $175,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-4562000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
in Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District with water rights. Produces alfalfa and grass hay crops. Utilities nearby. $69,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
1. Visit www.enchantment.coop/classifieds and complete form. You will be contacted by email with price and to pay by credit card (5% processing fee). 2. Or, complete form and select category. 3. Write ad on another sheet of paper. 4. Price: $20 up to first 40 words per ad, per category, per month. After 40 words, each word is 50 cents. Add $5 for small graphics such as cattle brands. Phone numbers, emails and websites count as one word.
SOCORRO. 11 ORGANIC, IRRIGATED ACRES. Water rights,
1. Due the 9th, one month prior. Ex: Ads due April 9 for the May issue.
Good to Know 1. Only members of New Mexico electric cooperatives may place ads. 2. We reserve the right to reject any ad. 4. Advertisements in enchantment are paid solicitations and are not endorsed by the publisher or the electric cooperatives of New Mexico. 5. PRODUCT SATISFACTION AND DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY LIE SOLELY WITH THE ADVERTISER.
Questions
1. Call: 505-982-4671 or 2. Email: enchantment@nmelectric.coop
Freshly renovated Air Lock Log Home on 10+/- gently sloping acres. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. 3,200+/- square feet. 3-car garage/workshop with 110V, 220V. Barn. Good power, water and county road access. Great views of Hermits Peak from wrap-around decks. Contact NM#360 Real Estate, 505-454-0332.
DATIL, 464 SOUTHERN TRAIL.
Sugarloaf Mountain Subdivision, 5.5 acres vacant land. $8,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
Name:________________________ ___________________________ Address:_______________________ ___________________________ City:_________________________ State:_________ ZIP:_____________ Phone:________________________ Cooperative:____________________ Select Category Below
Animals
Great Finds
Business
Real Estate
Equipment
Vehicles
enchantment.coop
DATIL, 31 OLD HIGHWAY 60.
2-bedroom, 1-bath home with bonus room that could be used for bedroom on three lots. Well, stone fence. Great for hunting property or rental opportunity. $57,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
PIE TOWN, SOUTH OF WILD HORSE SUBDIVISION. Two tracts
with closest access from Goat Ranch Road. One is 20 acres for $16,000 and one is 40 acres for $32,000. Vacant land. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
DATIL, TBD SOUTHERN TRAIL,
Sugarloaf Mountain Subdivision, 6.5 acres vacant land. $9,500. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
PIE TOWN, TBD STATE ROAD 603. 48.4 acres vacant land, fenced
with cleared land in corner for homesite. Great views, close to US 60 and Pie Town. $147,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
SOCORRO. HOME WITH 1-2
organic farm acres. New cement ditch, direct access to Rio Grande, water rights, views, dark skies with city utilities. New $30 million levy with miles of trails and parks, hospital and golf. $79,000. Call owner at 505-550-3123.
FENCE LAKE, 295 PINE HILL ROAD. 60 acres home, corrals, out-
buildings. $265,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
RAMAH, 281 CANDY KITCHEN ROAD, 42.26 acres with old stone home
ALAMOGORDO, MOBILE HOME ON 10 FENCED ACRES, 3-bedroom,
2-bath, 30x40 shop w/concrete floor and 1/2-bath. Good well, dual septic, mountain views on chip-sealed county maintained road. $89,000. Call 575-430-1083. falcon6298@yahoo.com
CONCHAS, BOAT DOCK DRIVE.
3 lots just over 1/2 acre per property. Two lots starting at $32,000 each. One lot at $35,000. Close to shoreline. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
CIMARRON, NM COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, 100+ year old, 3,500-sq-ft brick building with an attached 2000sq-ft building. Located on 5+ lots in historic “New Town” with good highway visibility. Extensive electrical and plumbing work done on main building in 2004. Potential for a variety of uses: studio, gallery, retail. $225,000. Call 575-635-2829.
Vehicles 2009 KZ SPREE 28’ TRAVEL TRAILER, new awning, slide out seals
and A/C. Clean, comes with 2 spare tires on rims, good rubber all around. Battery is two year old Duracell fully charged and ready to go. Asking $14K. To view u-tube video of identical 2008 model, google 2008 KZ Spree 260 Fl in 30 seconds. Call Gary 505-286-2662.
WANTED: 1957 CHEVEY STATIONWAGON, 4-door complete
with NM title. Running or Not. Send picture and amount wanted to Robert McClanahan, HC 61 Box 4085, Ramah, NM 87321-9607.
CLASSIC 1985 XC 125/Z YAMAHA EURO TOUR, 2-seater red scooter,
very good condition. Has been parked since fall of 2020. Comes with 2 helmets and original service manual. Clean title, must pickup. $1,000. Call 575-987-2225, ask for Don or Donna.
‘99 F-250 SUPER DUTY XLT, 7.3L,
Give the Gift of
enchantment Send a gift subscription of enchantment magazine.
Mail a check or money order payable to NMRECA in the amount of $12 for a one-year or $18 for a two-year subscription.
standard shift, extended cab, long bed, 4WD, 216,000 miles. Extras: Ranch Hand grill guard and bumpers, overload springs, tow/camper package, block heater, matching bed topper. Always garaged. $12,000. OBO. Call 505-3131464 or 505-281-1084.
50TH ANNIVERSARY, 2005 T-BIRD, 10,000 miles, cashmere color,
$25,000. Call 575-437-8425.
Include name and mailing address of recipient. Mail payment and details to: enchantment magazine 614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505
(3 lots) in Lewis Ranch Subdivision. $100,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-4562000, Paul Stout, broker, NMREL 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com
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youth art
Follow the Rainbow! Congratulations to the Winners Kinley Allen • Age 10 Lea County Electric Cooperative
Lacey Cruz • Age 6 Southwestern Electric Cooperative
Sophia Espinosa • Age 10 Lea County Electric Cooperative
Zachary Ortega • Age 7 Continental Divide Electric Cooperative
LaiKyn Pyle • Age 7 Otero County Electric Cooperative
Elvis Romero• Age 7 Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative
May’s Topic: Flowers Share your brightest, most vibrant flowers with us! June’s Topic: Cartoon Characters We can’t wait to see your favorite cartoon characters! Send Your Drawing By mail: Youth Editor 614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505 By email: enchantment@nmelectric.coop Deadline: Submit by the 9th, one month prior to publication. Hooray! Winners Get Paid: $15 Have a Youth Art Topic? Email or mail to the addresses above, or call 505-982-4671.
5 items to include on the
back of your drawing, otherwise YOU ARE DISQUALIFIED: 1. Name 2. Age 3. Mailing Address 4. Phone 5. Electric Co-op
*Accepted artwork up to age 13. DON'T FORGET THESE ITEMS!
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A P R I L 2021
enchantment.coop
Coping With No Power D While power outages are unpleasant, planning ahead can make the situation tolerable By Pam Blair
espite your utility’s best efforts to keep your power on, Mother Nature sometimes has the last word. Fallen tree branches, swirling winds, freezing rain and heavy snow all can wreak havoc on the power system, toppling poles, bringing down lines and leaving customers without electricity. To better cope in the cold darkness, make sure your home is equipped with a power outage kit. It should include: • A flashlight and extra batteries. Have a flashlight, oil- or battery-powered lamp or lantern. • Candles and matches. Although you should not carry them around in the dark, candles are safe when set on a flat, stable, non-flammable surface. • A battery-powered radio. If the outage is lengthy or associated with another emergency situation, radio reports will provide regular updates. • Emergency phone numbers. Keep numbers for your utility, doctor, fire department and police easily accessible. • A telephone connected directly to the phone jack. Cordless phones and phones with answering machines rely on electricity to operate. • A first-aid kit and prescription medications. Make sure you have an ample supply of all medicines you regularly use. During a storm, travel may not be possible for several days. • Extra blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothes. If you are without heat for an extended period, close off one room to live in, and wear extra layers of clothes.
Steps to Take When a Power Outage Occurs Before calling your utility to report an outage, make sure your house hasn’t blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker. Are your neighbor’s lights off, too? When you report the service interruption, be prepared to give your name, address and account number. Stay near the phone at least 15 minutes after calling so the dispatcher can call back for more information, if necessary. Turn on an outside light so repair crews can see when power has been restored. Trip the breaker to space and water heaters to avoid damaging the equipment and overloading the system, and unplug voltage-sensitive equipment. When power returns, don’t turn everything on at once. Please be patient, and keep in mind major problems must be fixed first.
enchantment.coop
Younger kids might not realize it, but a power outage means no TV. Keep board games and books handy for entertainment. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY VADIAR
• Clean drinking water. Fresh water isn’t always available when the power goes out—particularly if you rely on a well. Have at least one gallon for each person per day. • A manual can opener and nonperishable food. Canned or instant food and freeze-dried meals are good to have on hand, but often require hot water and/or a source of heat to prepare (a camp stove and fuel may be handy, but be sure to use it outdoors). Breakfast bars, crackers, peanut butter, and canned or dried fruit require no preparation. Don’t forget paper plates. • A cooler for storing frequently used foods. Food will keep several hours in a closed refrigerator, and up to two days in the freezer. It will spoil more quickly if the door is opened or the refrigerator or freezer isn’t full. • Firewood and kindling. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, make sure you have an adequate supply of wood and plenty of matches.
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For the Members of Lea County Electric Cooperative
We’re delivering more affordable electricity Our members have asked for more affordable and more flexible electricity – and we’re delivering. As part of our commitment, we’ve kept our wholesale rates stable for five years and set a goal to reduce our wholesale electric rates 8% by the end of 2023.
Built by and for our members, we power what matters to you. That’s the value of our cooperative family. To learn how we’re delivering on our mission, visit www.tristate.coop
Tri-State is a not-for-profit power supplier to cooperatives and public power districts in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.