Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News March 2024 Eau Claire

March 19, 2024

March 2024

87th Annual Meeting at The Florian Gardens

(see inside cover page for details)

NOTICE OF 87 TH ANNUAL MEETING

The 87th Annual Meeting of the members of Eau Claire energy Cooperative will be held at the Florian Gardens at 2340 Lorch Avenue, Eau Claire, on Tuesday evening, March 19, 2024. Doors open at 5 p.m. The business meeting will begin promptly at 6 p.m. to transact the following and any business that may properly come before the meeting.

ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA

Welcome

National Anthem

Pledge of Allegiance

Introduction of Guests, Youth Ambassadors, Scholarship Winners and Member Advisory Council

Determination of Quorum

Minutes of 86th Annual Meeting

Introduction of Candidates

Un nished Business

New Business

Concern for Community Award

Membership Q & A

Adjournment

Doors Open & Registration begins at 5 p.m.

Annual Business Meeting begins at 6 p.m.

Dinner to follow meeting

Since 1940

March 2024

HISTORIC MURALS OF ASHLAND COUNTY

FOLLOW THE MURAL BRICK ROAD

PORTABLE POWER

SPRING CLEANING TIPS

KIDS AND CRITTERS

It seems the only thing growing faster than the price of fossil fuels is the size of “high e ciency” air conditioners and heat pumps. A WaterFurnace geothermal heat pump doesn’t have any outdoor equipment. It uses the clean, renewable energy in your backyard to save up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. A WaterFurnace unit is twice as e cient at cooling than the best air conditioner or heat pump and five times more e cient at heating than any ordinary furnace. So if you’re tired of that loud, ugly outdoor unit, contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

Arcadia/Mondovi

Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Ashland/Iron River Brown Plmbg & HVAC (715) 682-0444

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

Black River Falls/ Stevens Point

Northern Indoor Comfort (715) 937-2676

Cashton/Sparta

Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 269-1500

Chaseburg/Viroqua

Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 269-1500

Clintonville/Oshkosh

Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051

Cornell/New Auburn

Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Dodgeville/Baraboo Modern Htg & Clg (608) 767-2689

Eau Claire/Osseo

Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Escanaba/Iron Mountain GPS Htg & Clg (715) 732-2111

Green Bay/Oneida Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051

Hudson/Stillwater

Geothermal Concept (612) 481-4020

Hurley/Park Falls

QS Plmbing & Mechanical (715) 685-4330

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

Marinette/Peshtigo

GPS Htg & Clg (715) 732-2111

Marengo/Ashland

QS Plmbing & Mechanical (715) 685-4330

Menomonie/Bloomer

Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Neillsville/Medford

Northern Indoor Comfort (715) 937-2676

New Lisbon/Shamrock

Deans Refrig. & Heating (608) 372-6928

Oconto/Rhinelander

Van’s Refridgeration (920) 833-2051

Osceola/New Richmond

Sustainable Htg & Clg (651) 462-1300

Princeton/Waupun

All Phase Geothermal (920) 763-2301

Redwing/Wabasha Earth Energy Htg & Clg (507) 421-3156

Richland Center/Viroqua

Strang’s Htg Electric Plmb (608) 647-2855

Sturgeon Bay/Denmark Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051

Tomah/Oakdale

Dean’s Refrig. & Heating (608) 372-6928

Wausau/Rhinelander

Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051

Westby/La Crosse

Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 654-5522

Winona/Pepin

Earth Energy Htg & Clg (507) 421-3156

Wisconsin Rapids/ Marshfield

Northern Indoor Comfort (715) 937-2676

March 2024 Vol. 84 No. 9

The Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News (Formerly Wisconsin R.E.C. News) has been published monthly and distributed since July 1940 to members of Wisconsin’s non-pro t, consumer-owned rural electric cooperatives. It is available to non-members for $13 per year or $35 for three years. Members pay $6.93 per year.

Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200.

Steve Freese, president & CEO.

USPS number: 688-480.

Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200

Periodicals postage paid at Sun Prairie, Wis.

Send correspondence to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102, Middleton, WI 53562-2200. Phone (608) 467-4650.

Web site: www.wecnmagazine.com.

Co-op Members: Please send address changes to your local electric co-op. Contact information can be found on page 18.

Steve Freese WECA president & CEO

Dana Kelroy editor

Mary Erickson associate editor

Julie Lund contributing writer

Ann Bailey graphic designer

Geri Miller advertising consultant

Jennifer Taylor editorial assistant

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

SYMBOL SEARCH

HIDDEN OBJECT GAME

Good

Finding our February symbol was Lois Coleman, a member of Oconto Electric Cooperative. Lois said, “WOW I nally found one. YAHOOOOO! The orange is on page 6 on the cover of a magazine on the table.”

Now, we challenge you to nd this sponge, to help jump start your spring cleaning. Remember that the symbol can be anywhere and any size. One randomly selected winner will receive a Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News kitchen kit. One entry per household, please, and provide your permanent home or mailing address with your entry. Send entries by March 12.

FAMILIAR FACE, FAMILIAL STORY

While working on this month’s Wisconsin Favorites story about the murals of Ashland County, I learned that one of the faces captured in paint is a familiar face in Wisconsin’s electric cooperative circles.

Paul Rose served for 37 years as a board director at Price Electric Cooperative. A lifelong resident of Butternut, he was a dairy farmer and later worked for the township until he retired.

While interviewing 89-year-old Rose for the story, he mentioned that he was previously featured in this publication, formerly known as the Wisconsin REC News. Sure enough, I found the story and cover image of him and his grandson, Corey, in our January 1995 edition.

The story captured the “generations of music” in the Paul Rose Polka Band. The band at the time comprised four generations, Paul being the oldest and Corey being the youngest of four relatives.

When we spoke, Paul methodically named o uncles, cousins, brothers, children, grandchildren, etc., and their instruments of choice in the band through the years. He primarily focused on the family, and the music and stories of his time on the road fell second.

“It was all big families, and they were all musically inclined—all had music in them,” said Rose.

He also credits his wife, who, when the entire family was on the road, stayed back to milk 50 cows every weekend.

While Paul may be immortalized on a mural, it’s his time with family doing what he loved that he truly treasures.

Dana Kelroy Editor

NEWS BRIEFS

Baldwin, Green, Shankland Honored

The Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association recently presented Champion of Electric Cooperative Awards to U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), and Wisconsin State Representatives Chanz Green (R-Grand View) and Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) for their support of Wisconsin electric cooperatives.

Baldwin played a key role in the 2019 passage of the SECURE Act, which saved co-ops tens of billions of dollars in pension insurance premiums and supported directpay incentives for co-ops to deploy new energy technologies. She advocated for funding for Washington Island Electric Cooperative when the underwater power cable suffered catastrophic damage and has fought for broadband funding for rural areas.

In his first term in office, Green has already been instrumental in his work for Wisconsin electric cooperatives. He co-authored the bill to allow electric cooperatives to operate ATVs and UTVs on state highways in certain conditions, which has now been signed into law.

Shankland has been an advocate for electric cooperatives on key issues, including authoring legislation on wild parsnip, which poses an exposure danger to line crews in the field. In 2017, Shankland led the charge advocating for changes to the law relating to the placement of sexually violent persons after a designated placement near the Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative, where children are often present.

She eld Brings Leadership Message to co-op meeting

Wisconsin Badgers volleyball team Head Coach Kelly Sheffield was the featured speaker at WECA’s Education and Lobby Days. Under Sheffield, Wisconsin women’s volleyball has had unrivaled success including four Final Fours and a 2021 NCAA Championship.

Sheffield, speaking with much humility, talked about the importance of good communication, positive thinking, and taking accountability as a leader.

“I think leaders have to have that mindset that if the group isn’t where you want them to be, that is your fault rather than their fault. And that’s something that we try to get our captains to embrace, our seniors to embrace, and our coaches to embrace,” Sheffield said.

Sheffield said the greatest teams are those that demonstrate consistency and are an example of excellence year after year.

New Maps Change Districts

The maps which designate the voting districts for Wisconsin lawmakers will soon be revised. The state Supreme Court ruled the maps are unconstitutional. Political analysts agree they favor Republicans.

The court says new maps must be in place by mid-March because candidates begin filing for office April 15. Several proposals are up for consideration, and the legislature and Governor Tony Evers could select new maps, if they can agree.

For voters, redistricting means incumbent lawmakers, voting districts, and designated polling places will change in some areas of the state.

Home Energy Rebates Programs Coming Soon

Wisconsin’s Home Energy Rebates programs, which will offer rebates for a variety of electric appliances and efficiency upgrades, are getting closer to implementation. Wisconsin has been allocated $149 million for Home Energy Rebates through the Federal Inflation Reduction Act. Focus on Energy recently gathered public feedback on the program.

There will be two program offerings— including a home energy efficiency rebate program—and an instant discount program for efficient electric appliance and home upgrades. The launch date will be announced once the final details of the program are in place.

2024 PAC Fundraiser a Success

The fundraising efforts for Wisconsin’s Electric Cooperatives PAC held in connection with Education and Lobby Days brought in the second highest total ever at $15,290, and the most since 2019, which set a record at $17,000.

The live auction this year brought in $10,775. The live auction item that earned the highest bid was a hand-made wooden bucket truck, donated by Riverland Energy Cooperative.

The online silent auction brought in a record $2,125, eclipsing last year’s record by more than 50%.

IEA: U.S. Electric Demand Expected to Grow 1.5%

Electricity usage in the United States is expected to increase 1.5% per year from 2024 through 2026, according to a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). This is a rebound from last year, when electricity use was down 1.6% due to mild weather, strikes in the manufacturing sector, and inflationary pressures.

The report also says the IEA expects global electricity use will surge 3.4% a year in the next three years, driven by growth in China and other emerging markets.

Meanwhile, the report predicts that wind and solar production in the U.S. will outpace coal-fired generation for the first time in 2024 as more coal plants are retired.

MESSAGE from the CEO

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES ENGAGE LEGISLATORS AT THE STATE CAPITOL

Steve Freese President and CEO

Every time I witness electric cooperative members ready to engage their elected officials, it reminds me of a famous and often quoted phrase by the 20th-century anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

This powerful statement doesn’t just express who we are today. It defines how electric cooperatives got started in the first place with the passage of the Rural Electrification Act in the mid-1930s. Back then, small groups of farmers and rural folks took it upon themselves to come together and organize to provide electricity to themselves because no one else would. To this day, we are still organized based on our mission of providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to all our consumer-members and improving the quality of life within our communities.

Every year, WECA’s electric cooperative members gather in Madison to help remind our state legislators of this mission—telling them who we are, what we do, and what we care about. As a statewide organization, there is no greater effort we can make to influence legislators than to have our members meet face-to-face with them and express our views succinctly and informatively on our key issues. With the legislative session ending soon and some important legislation still waiting to be passed and signed into law, the timing of our visits was critical.

In January, I wrote about the Right of First Refusal (ROFR) legislation, Senate Bill 481 and Assembly Bill 470, in this column. ROFR gives incumbent utilities, like Dairyland Power Cooperative, the “right of first refusal” to build long-range transmission projects within their service areas. This legislation will retain Wisconsin’s control over the safety and reliability of our state’s power grid instead of unnecessarily ceding that control to federal regulators.

More importantly, our consumer-members can directly benefit from the buildout of these projects because margins realized by the cooperatives can be used to continue building infrastructure, like transmission lines, to support and grow the member-owned cooperative. Or cooperatives can use returns earned from the project to offset future rates for our rural consumer-members. Knowing that our cooperative energy consumers can directly benefit from this made supporting ROFR the top priority for those visiting their state representatives and senators.

WECA members also went to the Capitol supporting the retail sale of electricity to charge electric vehicles (EVs).

The state has been allocated $78.5 million in federal funds to help build a statewide EV charging network. Still, we need a change in state law that would allow entities like Kwik Trip to sell electricity for charging. We are also promoting the creation of an EV license plate to help first responders quickly identify an EV in the event they must cut it open, extinguish it, or move it. There are particular protocols to be followed when handling an EV in an emergency; this is one more tool in the toolbox to help keep them safe.

Because we found success earlier in the session, sometimes you go to the Capitol to simply tell your legislators thank you. Wisconsin Act 64 was signed into law last year, allowing our electric cooperatives to use ATVs/UTVs on roadways to restore and maintain power. The legislature also passed a safety measure allowing our line crews to use green flashing lights on their trucks to increase their visibility with the driving public.

Finally, because our cooperatives have a deepseated belief in helping others in the community, we are backing a measure that will expand the presence of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library national reading program in Wisconsin. It will provide grants to participating entities, like our cooperatives, to place high-quality books monthly into the homes of children aged 0-5.

Political engagement is not always easy, but it remains a bedrock for the members who make up your statewide electric cooperative association. Building and maintaining relationships with legislators are why we succeed. We might not be changing the world by doing this, but we’re certainly changing the quality of life in our local communities for the better, and that is what makes our efforts all the more worth it.

PORTABLE POWER: HOW SOME EVS CAN STEP UP WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT

Heated seats? Check. Adaptive cruise control?

Check. Bidirectional charging capability?

Check. That last option, available on some electric vehicles, goes far beyond the creature comforts made for the road. This one can actually power your home.

“The technology that comes with electric vehicles really is remarkable, and we’re just beginning to see the possibilities that can be, in some cases, even life-saving,” said Nate Boettcher, president and CEO of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services.

Ellsworth Ambulance Service recently contracted with the co-op’s SwiftCurrent Connect’s electrician services to install a Generac natural gas-powered standby generator for its ambulance building. David Chavie, Pierce Pepin’s energy innovation and operational technology manager, said they had to cut the power to install the transfer switch for the new generator, so they decided to use the co-op’s Ford F150 Lightning to power the building’s essentials like lights, heating, and garage doors, during the interim.

Not all EVs have the ability to power homes and buildings in emergency or temporary situations. With the Lightning, you need the option called Intelligent Backup Power, which is used in conjunction with Ford’s Charge Station Pro, and your home or building

“They wanted to ensure a reliable backup electric power source was always available in their building for dispatching of emergency vehicles and personnel,” Chavie said. “We wanted to help ensure community emergency service response was not hampered by this temporary power outage while we installed their standby generator. The F150 Lightning offered the perfect solution.”

must be able to interface with your F-150 Lightning. Once configured correctly, you can use the F-150 Lightning as your main power source for your home during a blackout, providing a serious sense of relief at a time when recent blackout risks have reached all-time highs.

“People need power to live, especially those with serious medical conditions who may need electricity to power equipment,” Boettcher said. “Vulnerable populations are also in danger when the power is out during extreme heat or cold. As cooperatives, we come

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together and work to restore power as quickly as possible, but having an EV that can electrify a home in these situations is a big added benefit to owning an electric vehicle.”

“The Ford Lightning comes equipped with the 9.6 kW Pro Power Onboard System,” Chavie explained. “There are two 120V outlets in the cab, four 120V outlets in the front trunk, four 120V outlets in the bed, and one 240V outlet in the bed. These are used just like you would an outlet in your garage.”

There are many options to use bidirectional charging beyond vehicle to home, including vehicle to grid, vehicle to load to power appliances or tools on the go, and vehicle to vehicle, or passing a charge from one car to another, which can help diffuse range anxiety. Pierce Pepin previously used the Lightning as a rolling power source for the Christmas lights on their SwiftCurrent float during the River Dazzle Parade in River Falls.

The ambulance project was the first time Pierce Pepin used the Lightning to power a building, but they are already planning to do it again. The co-op’s electrician will be able to use the Lightning to power the utility room lights and furnace when changing out electrical panels.

Chavie says this is only the beginning of bidirectional charging options.

“In the near future, many EVs may be capable of providing home backup power as well as ancillary grid services. EV charging is a growing area of electric consumption, but the flexibility of managed charging allows batteries to charge during times when energy is plentiful on the grid,” he said.

Anyone looking to purchase an electric vehicle, especially those who want the bidirectional charging option, should do some homework to ensure it will work for you.

“We always advise a homeowner to consult a master electrician as well as their electric utility when thinking about installing backup power sources at their home, whether that is a traditional fossil-fuel generator, a battery system, or an electric vehicle. It is very important that proper transfer switches and other safeguards are installed for safe operation,” Chavie said.

Other than the Ford F150, some other electric vehicles that offer bidirectional charging (standard or as an option) include:

• Nissan Leaf (2013 and later)

• Hyundai Ioniq 5

• Hyundai Ioniq 6

• Kia EV6

• Kia Niro

• Genesis GV60

• MG ZS EV

• MG MG4

• Volkswagon ID Buzz

• Mitsubishi Outlander

Last year, General Motors announced bidirectional charging will be standard in all of its electric vehicles by 2026, and Tesla confirmed all of its EVs will have bidirectional charging by 2025. This will offer another option for power, when it is need most, like it was in Ellsworth.

“The use of the EV to power the building was so seamless that we barely noticed the transition from standard electric service to backup power,” said Jessi Willenbring, director of the Ellsworth Area Ambulance Service. “It ensured that we were able to provide uninterrupted emergency care to the community that we serve.”

Portable power, the next reality in the evolution of clean transportation.—Julie

Lund

SPRING CLEANING TIPS TO MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY

Q: What are some energy-saving tasks I can add to my spring cleaning list?

A: Spring is a great time to refresh, clean, and enhance energy efficiency at home. By adopting simple yet effective energy-saving strategies during our spring-cleaning routines, we can create an efficient living environment that may also lower our utility bills and extend the life of our heavily used appliances.

Be sure to include these spring cleaning tips to add some energy savings to the job.

Even though it’s out of sight, don’t leave it out of mind. Check the filter in your HVAC system. Your furnace worked hard during the winter. Ensuring your system has a clean filter is a low-cost and easy way to protect your equipment and maximize efficiency. A dirty furnace filter can cause your system to work harder than necessary, decreasing efficiency and shortening the system’s life.

While the filter is easy to replace yourself, you should have your air conditioning serviced and professionally cleaned. Both the indoor and outdoor units should be cleaned. Dirty refrigerant coils reduce efficiency. This also applies to heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split systems. The technician can check refrigerant levels and refill or repair if necessary.

HVAC contractors get busy responding to calls for repairs during the summer heat. Scheduling cleaning services for your air conditioning in the spring—before the heat of the summer—can ensure the work gets done before the rush and even save you money. Some HVAC contractors offer special discounts for cleaning services

in the milder months, which helps fill their schedules and keep their technicians working.

Window AC units can get dirty, too. They can be cleaned with the proper tools, cleaning agents, and know-how. Always unplug it before cleaning, and

put this into everyday use, if you have an LED light on for 10 hours per day, it can last 13 years compared to only about three months for incandescent bulbs and about two-and-a-half years for CFLs.

Don’t forget the oven. A clean oven heats more evenly and quickly, providing better results and lower energy use. A clean oven window allows you to see the food and how it’s cooking without opening the oven door, which wastes energy.

If cleaning windows is on the list,

While cleaning light xtures and xture covers, check your bulbs and replace any incandescent or compact uorescent with energy-saving LEDs.

wait until it is completely dry before plugging it back in again. Take the time to clean it properly in the spring before you need it in the summer.

Cleaning light fixtures and fixture covers can brighten your space by removing dust and grime collected during the winter. While you are at it, be sure to check your bulbs and replace any incandescent or compact fluorescent with energy-saving LEDs. Although they tend to cost a little more, LEDs last longer and use less energy.

Good-quality LED light bulbs are expected to last 30,000 to 50,000 hours, according to the Department of Energy. A typical incandescent lamp lasts about 1,000 hours, and a comparable CFL lasts 8,000 to 10,000 hours. To

check the seals and sash locks to ensure they close tightly. Check for any areas that need caulking or sealing to reduce drafts. Sealing around windows contributes to year-round comfort in your home. Clean windows also allow more light into the home, reducing the need to turn on lamps and overhead fixtures.

Spring is the ideal time to declutter, deep clean, and implement practices that not only tidy our homes but also reduce energy consumption, contributing positively to our homes’ energy efficiency and saving money on energy use.

Miranda Boutelle writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric cooperatives.

Replacing your furnace lter is a low-cost and easy way to protect your equipment and maximize e ciency.

IA YEAR OF RESILIENCE

Your cooperative’s e orts to ensure a reliable future

n the face of increasing challenges and uncertainties, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative plays a pivotal role in ensuring the resiliency of our communities. Over the past year, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative has made it a priority to safeguard its members against disruptions and enhance the reliability of its services. From infrastructure upgrades to cybersecurity efforts, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative aims to provide safe and reliable energy services to our members.

Advocacy:

One of the cornerstones of Eau Claire Energy Cooperative’s resilience strategy has been proactive advocacy for regulatory support. Recognizing the importance of a supportive regulatory environment, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative has engaged in dialogues with local and state authorities to address critical issues affecting the energy sector. Eau Claire Energy Cooperative actively participated in discussions on renewable energy integration, transmission regulations, and grid modernization.

By fostering solid relationships with our legislators, the

cooperative has been able to support policies that benefit both the cooperative and its members. This advocacy has paved the way for streamlined processes, reduced bureaucratic hurdles, and increased financial support for essential projects, ultimately contributing to the long-term resiliency of the cooperative.

In 2024, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative is committed to strengthening its advocacy efforts further by continuing our education and lobbying efforts. Furthermore, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative will host a Candidates’ Energy Forum on October 7, 2024. ECEC will invite political candidates to discuss their stances on energy-related issues and allow members to make informed decisions during elections. By continuing to prioritize advocacy and engagement, the cooperative aims to shape policies that support a sustainable and resilient energy future for its community.

Cybersecurity:

In an era dominated by digital advancements, ensuring the cybersecurity of the electric grid and our members’ information is vital. Eau Claire Energy Cooperative has prioritized the implementation of cybersecurity measures to protect its critical infrastructure from potential threats. The cooperative invested in and maintained state-of-the-art technologies, such as intrusion detection systems and advanced firewalls, to safeguard against cyberattacks.

Moreover, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative has continued training programs to educate its personnel about cybersecurity best practices. These initiatives empower employees to identify and respond to potential threats promptly, minimizing the risk of cyber incidents that could compromise the reliability of the

Andrew Bourget, Board Chair

Monica Obrycki, President and CEO

electric grid. The cooperative’s commitment to cybersecurity not only protects its members but also contributes to the overall resilience of the community’s energy infrastructure.

In the coming year, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative plans to further bolster its cybersecurity measures by adding technology staff and exploring potential emerging technologies for threat detection and response.

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative aims to continue conducting risk assessments and regularly update its cybersecurity policies and procedures to adapt to potential cyber threats. By taking proactive steps and leveraging innovative solutions, the cooperative is committed to maintaining the highest cybersecurity standards to safeguard the electric grid and ensure uninterrupted energy delivery to its members.

Infrastructure Maintenance and Inspection:

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative recognizes that proactive infrastructure maintenance and inspection are essential components of ensuring the reliability and resilience of its distribution system. The cooperative continued system maintenance in 2023, including vegetation management, line inspection, and transformer and recloser maintenance.

Vegetation management is crucial to maintaining

a reliable and resilient electrical distribution system. It can prevent outages caused by falling branches or overgrown vegetation interfering with power lines. Eau Claire Energy Cooperative conducts regular tree trimming and vegetation clearance activities to mitigate the risk of service interruptions during storms or adverse weather conditions.

In addition to vegetation management, ECEC prioritizes regular line inspection to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities in its infrastructure. Through routine inspections, the cooperative can detect and address issues such as damaged poles, worn-out conductors, and faulty equipment before they escalate into major disruptions. Preventive maintenance programs to inspect and service grid infrastructure like transformers, reclosers, poles, and underground infrastructure on a scheduled basis minimize the risk of unexpected failures and service interruptions. Proactive measures serve to prolong equipment lifespan and minimize the likelihood of unforeseen failures.

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative is committed to further bolstering its resilience through continued maintenance and inspection initiatives in 2024.

Infrastructure Upgrades:

Recognizing the significance of a robust and modernized infrastructure, ECEC makes upgrades to enhance the resilience of our distribution system a priority. The cooperative has invested in the replacement of aging equipment, the installation of smart grid technologies, and the expansion of capacity to meet growing energy demands.

These infrastructure upgrades not only improve the overall reliability of the electric grid but also improve the integration of renewable energy sources. ECEC’s commitment to sustainability and innovation creates a resilient and environmentally conscious energy infrastructure for its members.

Plans are underway to fortify existing infrastructure, including upgrading many miles of distribution lines to better withstand extreme weather events and increase load capacity. The cooperative will continue its deployment of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) to enhance data analytics and monitoring and control capabilities, facilitating quicker response times during outages and optimizing energy distribution. By prioritizing these initiatives, ECEC aims to not only ensure reliable electricity service but also to lay the foundation for a more resilient, adaptive grid that can accommodate future rate strategies, growth, and the increasing integration of renewable energy resources.

Mutual Assistance:

In times of crisis or natural disasters, mutual assistance is crucial in enhancing the resilience for ECEC’s members and neighboring cooperatives.

In 2023, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative actively participated in mutual assistance agreements with cooperatives in our region to provide and receive aid during emergencies. Through these agreements, the cooperative can access additional resources, personnel, and equipment to restore power quickly and efficiently in the event of widespread outages.

Moreover, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative contributes resources and expertise to assist other cooperatives and utilities in need. By fostering strong relationships and collaboration through mutual assistance agreements, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative strengthens its capacity to respond effectively to emergencies, ultimately enhancing the resilience of its members.

Generation Mix:

While the focus of resilience often centers on the distribution system, the resilience of a cooperative is also significantly influenced by the generation mix of its generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative. At Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, our G&T is Dairyland Power Cooperative. The diversity of energy sources within the generation mix plays a crucial role in ensuring a reliable and resilient supply of electricity to distribution cooperatives.

A diversified generation mix reduces dependency on any single energy source, mitigating the risk of disruptions caused by fuel shortages, price volatility, intermittent energy, or unforeseen events impacting a particular energy resource. By incorporating a blend of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric, alongside conventional baseload sources like natural gas and coal, Dairyland Power Cooperative enhances the overall resilience of the electric grid.

In the face of evolving challenges, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative’s steadfast commitment to resilience has yielded significant achievements in the past year. Through advocacy, cybersecurity measures, maintenance and inspection, infrastructure upgrades, mutual assistance, and so much more, the cooperative has fortified its grid to provide reliable energy services, prevent outages, and strengthen our grid. As the cooperative continues to evolve and adapt to emerging challenges, its dedication to resilience remains unwavering, shaping a brighter and more secure future for its members.

RULES FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING

1. The meeting will be conducted in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order.

2. Any speaker must be recognized by the chair before speaking.

3. Only members will be recognized by the chair; each member must give his or her name.

4. No resolution on policy a ecting Eau Claire Energy Cooperative may be submitted by any member unless written copies have been submitted to the Board of Directors at least 30 days in advance of the meeting so as to permit review by the Board of Directors and its recommendation to the meeting as to approval or rejection.

5. Members are to limit their questions and comments to three minutes, with any rebuttal limited to two minutes.

6. Members will be limited to one question. If time allows, members may ask additional questions.

7. Questions and comments from members will be in order only during the old and new business sessions.

MEET THE CANDIDATES

As a member of Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, you have a voice in the annual board of directors’ election. In December, the Nominating Committee selected at least one candidate for each of the three director districts that are up for election. In 2024, those districts are 2, 4, and 6. You are invited to hear from these candidates in person at the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. The 87th Annual Meeting will be held at the Florian Gardens in Eau Claire. The candidates’ photos and biographies are included here.

DISTRICT #2

District # 2 Director Candidate

Michael Golat

412 Saxonwood Rd, Altoona, WI 54720

All service areas of the cooperative within the City of Eau Claire and the City of Altoona.

Membership: Member of Eau Claire Energy Cooperative since 2006, District 2 Director since 2019

Occupation: Altoona City Administrator

Current and Past Board Positions:

• HSHS/Prevea Recovery Task Force 2024 –present

• Chippewa Valley Economic Recovery Task Force, 2020 – 2022

• Eau Claire Energy Cooperative Board Member, 2019 – present

• Chippewa Valley Technical College Real Estate Committee, Chair, 2018 – present

• Visit Eau Claire, Treasurer, 2010 – present

• Wisconsin City Administrators Association board member, 2018 – 2020

• Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation, Secretary, 2010 – present

Experience: I hail from Superior, WI, and graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in economics in 1988. Following that, I ventured to Alaska, where I served as a public utilities director for the City of Unalaska, managing a municipal electric utility. While in Alaska, I earned my master’s degree in natural resources economics from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. After Alaska, I moved to the lower 48 and assumed the role of city administrator for the City of Altoona in 2006, where I continue to serve. Throughout my tenure, our focus has been on economic development and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.

Comments: I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the incumbent ECEC director for District #2. I have familiarized myself with ECEC operations, finances, policies, and cooperative principles through formal training and engaging in ECEC board business. I eagerly look forward to continuing to serve the cooperative’s membership by providing safe, affordable, and reliable electric service.

Scan here to view candidates’ video bios

DISTRICT #4

District #4

Director Candidate

Judith A. Anibas

N3401 1010th St

Eau Claire, WI 54703

jaanibas@gmail.com

DISTRICT

Washington eest of South Lowes Creek Road and Union, Eau Claire County; Spring Brook, Dunn county, except land in District 2

I have served on the board of Eau Claire Energy Cooperative (ECEC) since 2009 and have been a member since 1999 when my husband, Tom, and I moved into the territory. I remember receiving that first capital credit check and thinking “I need to check this out.” We were members of several cooperatives at the time and that truly piqued my interest in the cooperative business model.

Since elected in 2009, I have attained the Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate at the Gold Level and continue to maintain that highest level. The education I received has benefited my decision-making in the board room and given me perspective to understand today’s energy world.

I am an active member at St. James the Greater Catholic Church and Westgate Sportmen’s Club, and serve as a volunteer at Boys and Girls Club and Pheasants Forever of the Chippewa Valley. I enjoy the outdoors activities of hunting, fishing, biking, kayaking and a daily walk with my springer spaniel Palle!

At the electric cooperative annual meeting I was elected to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Board and start my service this spring. I am humbled and honored by this trust and am preparing myself with reading and research to serve effectively on this national board.

I continue to strive to understand and learn about the electric industry as we venture into a very exciting and changing world to serve you effectively.

Pleasant Valley, Eau Claire County; Albion, Trempealeau County

Membership: Member of ECEC 41 years

Occupation: Retired

Current and Past Board Positions: Eau Claire County Local Emergency Planning Committee, 2003 – present; Town of Pleasant Valley Plan Commission, 2006 – present; Pleasant Valley Park Committee, 2017 – present; Eau Claire Energy Cooperative Director, District 6, 2018 – present; Pleasant Valley Park Committee, Chair, 2019 – present; Eau Claire County ADRC Nutrition Advisory Council, 2020 – present; Eau Claire County Local Emergency Planning Committee, Vice Chair, 2022 – present; Eau Claire Energy Cooperative Member Advisory Council, 2014 – 2018; Wisconsin Association of Hazardous Material Responders, Board of Directors, 2007 – 2012; Eau Claire County Board of Land Use Appeals, 1994 – 2003.

Experience: Electric and gas utility employee for 32 years. Cleghorn Lions Club member, 200 – present; kitchen volunteer for Meals on Wheels, 2020 – present, Cleghorn Lions Club, President, 2021 – 2023, and Vice President, 2016 – 2021; Fire/Rescue Adjunct Instructor, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 1996 – 2012; miscellaneous leadership roles within Township Fire Department, 1992 –2007.

Comments: All of us to some degree enjoy our independence and take pride in being so. But there are times when we need the help of others. This is one of the reasons why being part of an electric cooperative is important. Electric cooperatives such as Eau Claire Energy Cooperative provide safe, reliable, cost-effective electricity, improve the quality of life, and create local jobs. I’m proud to be a member of ECEC and I would like to continue serving as a director representing you.

District #6

Director Candidate

Frank Neibauer

E2600 Kristy Road

Eau Claire, WI 54701

#6

YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

UW Stout | July 16-18, 2024

Attend Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) to learn the purpose, operation, and scope of cooperative businesses. This dynamic three-day event is a unique opportunity for cooperative students to develop their leadership skills and network with other students from across the state.

What will you do at YLC?

• See what makes the cooperative business model different and successful and apply this knowledge to fun and challenging cooperative activities.

• Work together with other youth leaders from around Wisconsin to demonstrate the power and value of cooperation.

• Identify and develop your own leadership skills.

• Discuss cooperative careers with professionals in the industry.

• Experience college life at a University of Wisconsin campus.

Who should apply?

• High school students with parents or guardians who are members of Eau Claire Energy Cooperative

• Students who are interested in expanding their leadership skills

What does it cost?

All registration costs for ECEC students are covered by the cooperative.

Deadline registrationfor is June 14, 2024

• Communicate directly with the co-op

• Pay your bill online

• Manage your account

• Sign up for paperless billing

• Check your usage

Questions? Call or click

Eau Claire Energy at 715-862-1603 or ecec.com.

8214 Hwy 12,

www.ecec.com

Box 368, Fall Creek, WI 54742-0368

Lobby Hours: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday–Thursday; 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Friday

Non-emergencies: 715-832-1603

Emergencies & outages: Toll FREE 800-927-5090

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Diggers Hotline: 811 or 1-800-242-8511 Call 3 working days before you dig.

Monica Obrycki, President and CEO

Taylor Skibba, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

The nominating committee is tasked with reviewing director election candidates. This year, candidates from Districts #2, #4, and #6 are presented on pages 16d17. The Nominating Committee includes cooperative members (left to right) Larry Sturz, Mona Matthews, and Wilson Lund. Their time becoming engaged in the director election process is sincerely appreciated.

IDENTITY THEFT AWARENESS WEEK: TIPS FROM DATCP AND DOR

TAX-RELATED IDENTITY THEFT

involves the theft and misuse of your Social Security number (SSN). It generally happens in one of two ways: someone uses your SSN to get a job and their employer reports that person’s income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as if it were yours, or someone uses your SSN to le for your tax refund. You may not even know your identity has been stolen until the IRS informs you of the unreported income or multiple tax return lings.

This tax season, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) are here to help. By taking a few proactive steps to keep your personal information private, you can reduce your risk of tax-related identity theft.

“Consumers should protect themselves from identity thieves, who are becoming craftier and more sophisticated every year,” said

DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “There are many ways you can take preventative steps to keep your data safe and secure.”

REMEMBER THESE TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY THIS TAX SEASON:

• Never store your SSN on any device that may be vulnerable to malware or data theft.

• Install a mailbox lock or have your mail sent to a Post O ce (PO) Box to prevent anyone from stealing sensitive information.

• Destroy unneeded documents containing personal information, such as your SSN or IRS account number, using a shredder or similar method.

• Sign up for federal and state Identity Protection Personal Identi cation Numbers (IP PINs) to add an extra layer of security to your tax lings.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

about identity theft and additional consumer protection resources, visit DATCP’s Consumer Protection web page at ConsumerProtection. wi.gov. DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline can be contacted at (800) 422-7128 or DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov

“The goal of the PIN program is to keep refunds in the right hands and out of the pockets of fraudsters,” said Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca. “Another important thing to keep in mind about fraud, is that unless you have contacted us rst, we never call people without rst sending a letter. So, if you are getting a call or a text from us, but you haven’t received a letter from us, that’s a red ag for fraud. We always send letters rst.”

IF YOU BELIEVE

you may be the victim of tax-related identity theft, contact DOR by phone or email as soon as possible. If you received a notice from DOR, respond to the contact listed on the notice. If you did not receive a notice or have concerns about the validity of a notice, contact DOR at (608) 2662772 or DORIDTheft@wisconsin.gov.

Instructions for reporting tax-related identity theft to the IRS are available on their web page. If you con rm your identity was stolen, immediately inform your bank(s) and creditor(s) of your stolen identity and place a security freeze on your credit report with all three major credit reporting agencies.

WE ARTICHOKE HEARTS

Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad

Recipe and photo courtesy of @DaisyBeet in partnership with USA Rice & The FeedFeed.

This brown rice salad is nutritious, easy-to-make, and keeps well in the fridge. Utilizing mostly pantry staples, this recipe stars long-grain brown rice and is both vegan and gluten-free.

SALAD

1 cup long-grain brown rice, U.S.-grown preferred

1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz) can artichoke hearts

1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, diced

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups cucumber, quartered and sliced

1/2 cup kalamata olives

1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

LEMON VINAIGRETTE

4 Tbsp lemon juice

1/3 cup olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp maple syrup

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

Cook brown rice according to package instructions. While the rice cooks, drain and rinse chickpeas and artichoke hearts. Cut artichoke hearts in half lengthwise. Chop the remaining vegetables and parsley. Set ingredients aside.

In a small jar, combine all the vinaigrette ingredients, plus a shake of salt and pepper. Tightly screw on the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until dressing is creamy and cloudy looking. When rice is done cooking, let cool to room temperature. Add rice to a large mixing bowl and toss with all the vegetables, chickpeas, and parsley, plus a generous shake of salt and pepper. Drizzle 1/3 cup of vinaigrette into the salad and toss to combine. Add more dressing, 1 tablespoon at time, to taste.

RECIPES

Italian Sausage Minestrone

Recipe and photo courtesy of The National Pasta Association, via Suzy Karadsheh of “The Mediterranean Dish” food blog.

This soup is loaded with heart-healthy vegetables, Italian sausage, and delicious broth.

1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

2 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped

2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

5 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

8 oz French green beans, trimmed and cut

12 oz frozen artichoke hearts, thawed

2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes

1 tsp dried oregano

Small dash salt, to taste

Small dash pepper, to taste

6 cups low-sodium beef broth

1/2 cup dry small pasta, such as mini-Farfalle or elbow macaroni

1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup chopped parsley leaves

7 large fresh basil leaves, torn

1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Spray a nonstick pan with very little oil. Heat the pan on medium-high and brown the Italian sausage until it is fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and celery for 2–3 minutes. Toss in the chopped garlic; sauté for a few more seconds then add the green beans, artichoke hearts, canned tomatoes, dried oregano, and a small dash of salt and pepper. Cook on medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add the cooked sausage and beef broth; stir to combine. Continue to cook on medium-high heat for another 10 minutes. Lower the heat to medium-low; cover and let simmer for another 15 minutes. Uncover to add the pasta, chickpeas, and parsley. Raise the heat back to high and cook uncovered for another 8–9 minutes (pasta should cook to al dente). Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish each with a little Parmigiano Reggiano. Enjoy with a side of your favorite bread. Serves 4.

1/2 tsp anchovy paste

2 cups baby arugula

2 cups baby spinach

Green Pasta Puttanesca

Recipe and photo courtesy of The National Pasta Association.

Puttanesca is an Italian classic that comes together in a pinch.

4 oz dry spaghetti

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 Tbsp chopped green onions, divided

2 Tbsp capers, chopped

1 (14 oz) can artichokes in water, drained and chopped

3 Tbsp thinly sliced fresh basil

1 Tbsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain; reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Heat oil in large skillet set over medium heat; cook garlic and 2 tablespoons green onions until tender and fragrant. Add artichokes, capers, and anchovy paste; cook for 3–5 minutes or until heated through. Toss pasta into skillet along with arugula, spinach, basil, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water until well coated. Sprinkle with remaining green onions and chili flakes (if using). Serves 4.

NOTE: Add drained, canned tuna for additional protein, if desired.

1 cup packed fresh spinach

1 Tbsp butter or olive oil

1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sour cream

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Stu ed Mushrooms

Recipe and photo courtesy of The Mushroom Council, via the “Food for my Family” blog.

Two classic appetizers combined into one delicious bite!

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, divided

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp kosher salt

24 baby portabella mushrooms (cremini), washed, with stems removed

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the spinach leaves into long, thin strips. In a small fry pan, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add in the spinach and cook, stirring frequently, just until wilted. Remove from heat and mix with the chopped artichoke hearts. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sour cream until combined. Add in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, reserving the rest. Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Add in the spinach/ artichoke mixture and stir until combined. Stuff the mushrooms with one heaping tablespoon of the cheese/artichoke mixture, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the mushrooms. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the Parmesan cheese is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm.

READER RECIPES

Submit your favorite recipes to be featured on our reader recipe page. Email to jennifer@weca.coop or submit directly at http://wecnmagazine.com/submit-a-recipe/. Due to food safety issues, we cannot accept canning recipes.

ANYTIME CRUSTLESS SPINACH QUICHE

RECIPE COURTESY OF MARGARET ANDERSON, GALESVILLE

1 cup onion, chopped

1 tsp minced garlic

REQUESTS FROM OUR READERS

An online reader is looking for spinach recipes.

SEND TO: WECN, Reader Recipes, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200 or jennifer@weca.coop

1 cup fresh mushrooms, chopped

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 (10 oz) pkg frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

1 cup cooked ham, chopped

1 tsp basil

1/2 tsp marjoram

1/4 tsp pepper

5 large eggs

3 cups (12 oz) shredded cheese, Italian blend or Monterey Jack works well

In a skillet, sauté onion, minced garlic, and mushrooms in olive oil until tender. Add drained spinach, ham, basil, marjoram, and pepper. Let excess moisture evaporate and cool. Beat eggs and add cheese. Blend with cooled spinach mixture. Spread evenly in a quiche dish or 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 40–45 minutes or until a knife blade comes out clean. Spinach mixture can be prepared the day before. Serves 6.

BROCCOLI CASSEROLE

RECIPE COURTESY OF PEGGY RUSSELL, SANDWICH, ILL

2 (12 oz) pkg frozen broccoli

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/4 to 1/2 cup onions, chopped

1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

2 eggs, well-beaten

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 sleeve or more of butter crackers (such as Ritz), crushed Extra grated cheddar cheese for topping

Cook and drain the broccoli. Mix broccoli together with remaining ingredients except crackers and extra grated cheese. Pour into a lightly greased casserole dish. Cover with crushed crackers; sprinkle extra cheddar cheese over top of crackers. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 40 minutes or until casserole is rm in the middle.

PAST RECIPES CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE AT WECNMAGAZINE.COM/RECIPES. CLICK “SEARCH RECIPE ARCHIVES.”

BRATWURST AND NOODLE CASSEROLE

RECIPE COURTESY OF JANICE SCHYVINCK, LYNDON STATION

1 lb (approx. 5 links) bratwurst or beer bratwurst

1 (8 oz) pkg wide egg noodles

2 (10.75 oz) cans of cream of mushroom soup

1 cup milk

1 (16 oz) pkg frozen peas and carrots

1 tsp salt

1-1/2 tsp coarse-ground pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grill or cook bratwurst in a baking dish in the oven for 35–40 minutes. Cool slightly and cut into 1/2-inch slices. After bratwurst has been in the oven for 15 minutes, bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook for 8–9 minutes; drain. In a large bowl, whisk the soup and milk until smooth. Add the bratwurst, noodles, peas, carrots, salt, and pepper, and stir well. Transfer mixture to a greased 9-x13-inch casserole dish. Cover and bake for 35–40 minutes. Serve with pumpernickel bread. Serves 8.

BRATWURST HOTDISH

RECIPE COURTESY OF BARB RITCHIE, DARLINGTON

This is a dish my husband developed starting with leftover brats from a fundraiser. We nd that it is good for anything from a school potluck to a family dinner or a church picnic. It is also very Wisconsin in nature. I hope you like it!.

11 lb bratwurst

1 large onion, sliced

2 cans of beer, lager style

6 apples, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces (3 Macintosh and 3 Granny Smith)

2 (27 oz) or 3 (14.5 oz) cans sauerkraut, drained (rinsing optional)

1–3 Tbsp caraway seed or to taste

Prepare bratwurst by combining them in a pot with the onion and beer on a low boil for 5 minutes, cook on a grill or skillet until brown, then return to the same liquid to soak while preparing the remaining ingredients.

Combine all ingredients into a slow cooker and stir to mix. Cook on HIGH for 2 hours, then on LOW for 3–6 hours. The food will turn brown as it cooks. It is not likely to dry out, but if it starts to do so, add a little more beer. The alcohol will cook out.

HISTORIC MURALS of ASHLAND COUNTY

FOLLOW THE MURAL BRICK ROAD

The historic murals of Ashland County, also known as the Mural Brick Road, combine art appreciation and Wisconsin history lessons into one. The trail starts in Butternut in southern Ashland County and follows State Highway 13 north through the communities of Glidden, Mellen, Marengo, and the city of Ashland and showcases an impressive combination of art that makes you think and local history that makes you remember.

Butternut, the southern end of the trail and home to seven murals, is also home to one of the two artists responsible for the project, Kelly Meredith. In fact, her studio and shop, Fanatical Fish, is located directly across the street from two of the murals.

Meredith was chosen to complete the first mural in 1998 while still working as an art teacher in the Phillips School District. She continued to work on murals with another artist, Susan Prentice Martinsen, mainly in the summers when she was off school. In 2003, she quit teaching to pursue her art fulltime and is currently booked more than a year out as a muralist. Initially funded through grants, the mural project has evolved to private

fundraising and sponsorships.

“We created this promotion by applying for a Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant in 2016 and were awarded this grant for three years to assist with marketing and kicking off the Mural Brick Road,” said Mary McPhetridge, executive director of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce (AACC). “We wanted to celebrate that every community in Ashland County had a mural and celebrate the history of our communities.”

“It started with one project in 1998, and then one project literally led to the next,” said Meredith. According to the AACC, of which Bayfield Electric Cooperative is

a member, there are 35 murals included in the project.

Prentice Martinsen has since retired, but Meredith credits her with how the project took off. Prentice Martinson morphed the first few murals into a more organized endeavor, expanding to the Mural Brick Road as it is today.

Meredith explains that the two artists were, indeed, a team. They tackled the murals together and spent hours painting outdoors on brick facades of buildings (some 120 feet long and 20 feet tall), then later moved inside and painted on panels in a studio housed in the old school in Butternut. Though a team effort, Meredith always painted the

faces to achieve a consistent look.

“We kind of divided up the work, like I tended to be pretty quick with faces, and she would do clothing and bodies, so we’d divide up the labor,” said Meredith. “Our painting styles really matched, which is great because you can’t tell where it’s one person or the other.”

Traveling north from Butternut to Glidden, there are more murals, one in Marion Park, that portray historic storefronts and community members, some frozen as they were in the 1940s. Depicted are the grocery store, newspaper office, lumberyard, and local bar.

“What I like about that one is there’s a beer sign that’s coming out

Glidden History Building Mural depicts historic storefronts, Glidden

from the wall, and I got the perspective just right. If you are standing in the right place, it looks like it’s literally coming out of the wall,” said Meredith.

She also enjoyed working on the couple seated on the bench in front of the grocery store, especially to capture that moment in history using a photo from the woman, Edna.

“She came into my studio with this gorgeous 1940s picture of her and her husband in his uniform and her with her big swoopy 1940s hair, and I thought, ‘Oh my, I love this,’” said Meredith.

Butternut Murals Family members commission the faces depicted in Butternut as a fundraiser for the town’s historical museum, which is also worth a visit, in tandem with viewing the murals. Meredith says that each year, she adds five to six people who have a made a difference in the Butternut community to the mural.

One face immortalized larger than life is Paul Rose,

former director of Price Electric Cooperative. Rose was an area dairy farmer and electric co-op director by day but moonlighted as the leader of the famous Paul Rose Polka Band. Meredith painted Rose holding his accordion as he looked in his 40s.

When one sponsors a mural of someone in Butternut, the sponsor has to write a narrative of their life in their handwriting. It’s then projected behind the portrait and painted in the background.

This area of northern Wisconsin has a storied polka music history, with other polka greats pictured with Rose in the murals. Rose, now 89 years old, told stories of yesteryear when there were multiple polka dances every weekend, and every dance hall in the area was alive with a steady, rhythmic pulse of tuba and accordion beats.

“I was only about 14 years old, and my mother and dad bought me an accordion,” said Rose. “My mother and dad went to dances, and they never missed a weekend where there were dances here locally. In those days, they

1 & 2. Mural #7 Storefront Mural, Ashland

3 & 4. The Great Walls of Glidden Murals depict area veterans larger than life, Glidden.

5. Mural #8 Lumberjack Mural, Ashland

took the kids along. They didn’t have babysitters. I’d go along, and I loved polka music, so they bought me an accordion.”

When asked where he learned to play, Rose said, “There were no instructors around here in this area, and so even the school did not have music at that time. I learned how to play the accordion by myself. I knew the rhythm, and I knew the waltz and the polka and two-step, and I just kept pecking away at it until I could do it myself.”

The Paul Rose Polka Band played area dances for decades and left its mark on the area.

“It’s a big, long story, but I guess that’s why my picture’s up there,” said Rose of his image on the Every Life Tells a Story Mural. “You want history? That’s the way to do it. It is interesting to look at, but I’m not the only one up there that is interesting. That’s all history with family and lots and lots of polka music.”

When asked what she hopes to

convey as an artist to those who come to see the Ashland County murals, Meredith said, “I hope that they would get a flavor of both the history and the culture and just the vibe of this area throughout time. It gives you a sense of what we’re like and what we value.”

“The murals offer something to do that isn’t weather dependent, and they are always available, whether you end up arriving after 5 p.m. or before 8 a.m.,” said McPhetridge.

“Your personal stories make up your local history,” said Meredith, “you put them all together, and that’s your town.”—Dana

Kelroy

The Mural Brick Road starts in the town of Butternut and follows State Highway 13 north to Madeline Island. More information can be found at www.muralbrickroad. com or by calling the Ashland Chamber of Commerce at 715-682-2500. Kelly Meredith’s gallery, Fanatical Fish, and studio is located at 108 Main Street, Butternut WI 54514 and hosts occasional Saturday art classes with other artists. Call for gallery hours, 715-661-4814.

1. Every Life Tells a Story Mural, Butternut. Paul Rose depicted third from left. 2. The oldest and newest technologies captured in the Farmer and His Tractor Mural, Marengo 3. Kelly Meredith, muralist, outside her gallery, Fanatical Fish. Photo courtesy of Kelly Meredith 4. The Making of Mellen Mural, Mellen 5. Marengo Residents #2 Mural, Marengo

Miscellaneous Plants & Shrubs

WANTED: Paying cash for WWII ags, daggers, swords, guns, etc. Also, lever-action ri es. 715-340-1974.

WANTED: DEER TAGS, BACK TAGS. Trapping, bear, hunting licenses. Otter, sher, bobcat tags, party permits, old traps. 715255-9284 David Schober, W4234 Rock Creek Rd., Loyal, WI 54446.

CHAINSAWS WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE. Buying 1 or 100 McCulloch, Pioneer, Jonsereds, Echo, STIHL, Homelite, Remington, Mall. Buying all brands and sizes. Non-running, running, siezed, parts. Let me know what you have - will travel. Call Chainsaw Mike at 715-828-9414.

OLD MOVIES TO DVD / FD - Pro transferring 8mm, VHS, slides, audio, and all formats. Saving memories! DVD Productions Gene 715-827-2302.

FAMOUS ORIGINAL VINTAGE RECORD ALBUMS in covers. List available. Jane 715-333-5796.

STEP-IN SHOWER —Transforms your existing tub into a safe step-in shower in just one day. Call 608-726-0769.

COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR ANTIQUE OR HAND-MADE LARGE TRAPS. 715563-6658 For sale: smaller trapping traps, lever-action ri es from 1800’s.

HISTORIC CONCORDIA BALLROOM in Lacrosse. Dancing of all kinds—newly refurbished maple dance oor! Polka, swing, 2-step, waltz, tango, Salsa, rumba, samba, Cha Cha, folk, Contra, square, line, and lindy—with many free lessons. Live music and DJs. info@concordiaballroom.com 608-782-7049.

WANTED: KIDS OLD PEDAL CARS, pedal tractors, pedal airplanes, pedal boats. Any condition. Please leave a message. Karl. 608-482-4783.

WANTED: COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR VINTAGE SPORTS CARDS 1986 or older. 608-343-3503.

ANTIQUE STOVES. Large potbelly $200, rectangle parlor $100, square parlor, $100. Ste es o peak thermo heater $500. 715-829-7103.

CONCRETE FLOOR REPAIR, also many types of sealers and coatings. Resinous ooring systems: ake, solid color, quartz, and more. Call 715-321-2188.

WANTED: FORD TRACTOR, RUNNING OR NOT. 9N, 8N, 600, 700, 800, 900, etc. Call Mark. Home 715-835-1305; Cell 715-577-7249.

WANTED: GATOR, JOHN DEERE UTILITY-TYPE, 2 or 4-wheel drive. Low hours. Call Mark. Home 715-835-1305; Cell 715-577-7249.

FOR SALE: 1950 JOHN DEERE A-TRACTOR. Good condition. Serial# 650367. Call 715-694-2309.

FOR SALE: ‘81 PROJECT CAR. 80-90 gear oil. Truck grill card. 85 Mack dump truck. 715-326-1106.

ARE YOUR WINDOWS A PANE? Call Jerry today. With Apple Tree Custom Windows and Doors, you choose your brand, budget, and style, helping you truly nd what you are looking for. Now that’s value! 920-8228667 www.appletreecwd.com.

HARDWOOD AND CONIFER SEEDLINGS AND TRANSPLANTS. Thousands available, Oaks, Maples, Hybrid Poplar, Hickory, Milkweed, Alder, Dogwoods, Elderberry, Cranberry, Balsam, Fraser Fir, Spruce, Pine, Cedar, fall food plot and grafted apple trees too, large bareroot shade trees including Autumn Blaze. Check us out on the web at www.paintcreeknursery.com, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube also. Paint Creek Nursery, Cadott, WI 715-723-2072.

MCKAY NURSERY COMPANY - WISCONSIN GROWN SINCE 1897. Provider of quality shade & ornamental trees, fruit & owering trees, evergreens, shrubs, perennials, ground cover, and vines. Design services & delivery available. Contact Eric at ezlandscapewi@gmail.com or call 608387-4287. “Your McKay Independent Sales & Service Provider.”

MAY THE FOREST BE WITH YOU! We have evergreens, deciduous, flowering shrubs, crabapples, apples, pears, peaches, apricots, cherries, plums, currants, gooseberries, honeyberries, blueberries, grapes, raspberries, strawberries, asparagus, lilacs, bareroot shade trees, balled & burlapped shade trees, products for planting and plant protection. Woodstock Nursery Garden & Landscape Center, W6291 State Hwy 95, Neillsville, WI 54456. 888-803-8733. www. wallace-woodstock.com.

Real Estate

FOR RENT: 2 BR CABIN on Big Round Lake, Hayward, WI. Next to water. Sleeps 5. Great beach. Call Janet 715-558-5803.

Classi ed ads reach more than 152,000 mailboxes. RATES: For non-members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $25 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $1.25 each. For members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $14 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $.70 each. Count name, address, and phone number as part of ad. Please include zip code. FOR PROOF OF MEMBERSHIP, please include your address label from your copy of the magazine. FREQUENCY DISCOUNTS: 2% discount for 3 months; 5% for 6 months; 10% for 12 months. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the ad is to appear. All classi ed ads must be paid in advance. There is no agency discount on classi eds. Make check or money order payable to: WECA. Mail to: WECN—Classi eds, Attn. Jennifer, 6405 Century Ave., Ste. 102, Middleton, WI 53562. Ph: 608-467-4638. Email jennifer@ weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads.

WISCONSIN EVENTS March 2024

1, 8, 15 Friday Fish Fry—Rosholt. St. Adalbert Parish, 4–7:30 p.m. Fish, shrimp, or combo. Dine-in or takeout. Raffles.

1, 8, 15, 22 Fish Fry—New Lisbon. St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 5–7 p.m. Cost is $13 adults, $6 students, preschool free. Baked or fried cod, baked or fried potatoes, cole slaw, rolls, butter, beverage, and choice of dessert. Questions, call Janet at 608-613-0800. For carry-outs, call 608-562-3125 after 3 p.m. on day of event.

1, 15 Fish Fry Dinner—Jim Falls. Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 4:30–6:30 p.m. Meal includes potato soup, 3 pieces of deep-fried fish, potato, beans, coleslaw, homemade roll, beverage, and dessert. Cost is $14/ plate for adults, $6/plate for kids 4–12, and free for kids 3 and under. Dine-in or carry-out. Everyone welcome!

2 Arts & Crafts Show—Sparta. High School, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Honey products, hand-woven rugs, quilts, hand-crafted soap, bath & body products, barn board cabinets, knit & crochet items, gemstone jewelry, doll clothes, stained glass items, hooded T-shirts, books, and much more. Many new vendors. For more info, call 608-632-2304.

2 Spring Craft Sale—Colby. Lions Shelter, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Quilts, hot pads, hanging towels, pillows, baby blankets, pet toys, spring floral arrangements, wreaths, jewelry, gnomes, and much more! For more info, Call Tracy Kayhart at 715-223-5795.

2 Liver Feed—Menomonie. Moose Lodge, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Liver, BBQ sandwich, baked beans, chips, cole slaw, coffee, dessert. Adults $10; 12 and under $5. For more info, contact Lisa at 715-308-1279.

2 Ice Fishing Contest—Fairchild. Sportsman’s Rod and Gun Club, 12–3 p.m.

6, 13, 20, 27 Lenten Meal and Service— Janesville. Asbury United Methodist Church, 6–7:45 p.m. Wednesday evening soup and sandwiches at 6 p.m., followed by our Lenten service at 7 p.m. As always, everyone is welcome. For more info, call 608752-7961.

8 Candlelight Hike—Coon Valley. Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center Shelter, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Any necessary weather-related updates will be posted on our website. Admission $9 ages 10 and up; $4 ages 3–10. Members free with current membership card. For more info, call 608-452-3424.

9 Shamrock Shuffle—Eau Claire. UW-Eau Claire McPhee Physical Education Center, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Pre-registration ends at 11:59 p.m. on March 7. Same-day registration at 8 a.m. but increases to $25. Cash or check only. No credit card machines. Any fitness level. Shirts available until gone. Route starts (and ends) on UW-Eau Claire’s upper campus, goes down Garfield Ave hill, over the university footbridge, and follows the Chippewa Valley River trail.

10 First Responders Benefit Dance— Wauzeka. Century Hall, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Five bands, great dance floor, food, and drinks. For more info, call 608-875-5857.

10 Spring Polka Jam—Stratford. Country Aire Bar & Banquet Hall, 12–5 p.m. Come to play, dance, and tap your feet. Public welcome. Free Admission. For more info, contact 715-389-1232.

16 St. Patrick’s Parade—La Crosse. Main Street, 12–12:30 p.m. Starting at the Freighthouse parking lot, to Main Street, and heading East to 7th Street. Bands, floats, Irish clans, and dancers. Bring a non-perishable food donation or cash for the food pantry collection.

17 Chicken Que & Bake Sale—Chaseburg. Tippy Toe Inn, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. or until all chicken is gone. Featuring “Best Ever Chicken.” Drive-through or eat-in event. Homemade pastries and baked goods will also be available. All are welcome.

20 Spring Salad Luncheon—Janesville. Asbury United Methodist Church, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Purchase tickets at door. Adults $10, kids $3. For more info, call 608-752-7961.

26 Farm Toy & Craft Show—Thorp. High School, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Admission: $3; 10 & under are free. For more info, email thorpffaalumni@gmail. com or call 715-773-2643.

28 Living Last Supper Production—Tomah. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6–8:30 p.m. A powerful retelling of the final meal shared by Jesus and his disciples. This is a free event open to the public.

30 Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast—Janesville. Asbury United Methodist Church, 9–11 a.m. Come and join in all the fun. Pancake breakfast, tons of crafts for all, and a great Easter egg hunt. This is a free event for the community. For more info, call 608-752-7961.

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

Wisconsin Events is a public service for our readers. Due to space limits, we may need to eliminate details, so be sure to include a phone number (with area code) where callers may obtain more info. If we receive more listings than space allows us to print, we reserve the right to select those we believe will be of interest to the greatest number of readers. Please no virtual events. Events can also be mailed to: WECN, Events, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102, Middleton, WI 53562-2200.

DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the event is to appear.

Upload events to wecnmagazine.com

Send photos of kids with animals, along with a brief description, to WECN Magazine, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102, Middleton, WI 53562-2200. Please include the name of your electric co-op. Photos will be returned. If in good-resolution, electronic format, photos may also be uploaded via wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab. By submitting, sender implies that he/she has rights to and owns the image, and grants WECN permission to use the image. By submitting, the parent or legal guardian also authorizes us the right to publish the image.

Upload photos directly to wecnmagazine.com through the

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• Keep a handy in case of a power outage.

• Be watchful for signs of a thunderstorm, including dark skies, flashes of or strong winds.

• If a is issued, seek shelter in a centrally-located room in your home, a basement or storm cellar.

• If you’re outside and hear , go indoors immediately.

• Practice a tornado with your family once a year.

the clues below, then use the word bank

1. Jerry makes a u ball new friend at the local dairy breakfast. Photo submitted by Shelby Stone, a member of Oakdale Electric.

2. Hannah meets the neighbor’s goats. Photo submitted by Grandma Paula Green, a member of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services.

3. Taelyn bottle-feeds a new calf. Photo submitted by Naomi Bjergum, a member of Riverland Energy.

2

3

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MINUTES OF THE 86TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF EAU CLAIRE ENERGY COOPERATIVE • MARCH 21, 2023

The 86th regular annual meeting of the members of the Eau Claire Energy Cooperative (ECEC) was called to order by the Chair of the Board of Directors, Mr. Clarence Boettcher, at 6:00 p.m. at The Florian Gardens at 2340 Lorch Avenue in Eau Claire, WI on March 21, 2023.

WELCOME Mr. Boettcher welcomed everyone to the annual meeting.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & ANTHEM Mr. Boettcher introduced Addison Engstrom. Ms. Engstrom sang the National Anthem. Mr. Boettcher asked that everyone remain standing while Youth Ambassador, Nora Camlek led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

INTRODUCTIONS & SPECIAL RECOGNITION The Board of Directors, CEO Monica Obrycki, Attorney John Hibbard, and Corporate Secretary Jeni Thorpe were introduced to those attending the meeting. Mr. Boettcher introduced the recipients of the $1,000 Federated Youth Foundation scholarships and asked that they stand and be recognized. Mr. Boettcher also asked the members of the Member Advisory Council to stand and be recognized.

MEETING AGENDA AND MEETING RULES Mr. Boettcher went through housekeeping items noting that the meeting agenda and rules were published in the March 2023 issue of the WEC News magazine mailed to all members and available on tables in the room tonight. He also noted that the Notice of the Annual Meeting was published in the same issue of the WEC News magazine. The Affidavit of Mailing was posted behind the registration tables. Mr. Boettcher also stated that member questions will be taken after completing the business portion of this meeting.

OFFICER’S REPORTS The reports of the Board Chair, CEO, and SecretaryTreasurer were published in the March 2023 WEC News magazine and are also available on tables in the room tonight.

QUORUM To constitute a quorum, at least 50 members must register and attend. Mr. Boettcher was informed that there were 171 voting members registered and in attendance, which constituted a quorum. Mr. Boettcher then declared the meeting open for business.

PARLIAMENTARIAN Mr. Boettcher appointed Attorney John Hibbard to act as the parliamentarian for this meeting.

CALL AND NOTICE, AFFIDAVIT OF MAILING, MINUTES A motion was made to dispense with the reading of the Notice of Meeting, the Affidavit of Mailing and the Minutes, and to approve them as published in the 2023 Annual Report. Motion was seconded and carried.

VOTING There was an explanation of the ballots. Mr. Boettcher thanked the nominating committee, the attorney, and Cooperative staff for operating in accordance with the Bylaws in performing their work in determining the slate of candidates for this year’s election. The nominating committee is comprised of one member from each Cooperative district that is up for election. The following individuals served on the nominating committee for this year’s election: Larry Marquardt, Bonnie Issacson, and Rhonda Kelly

TELLERS Mr. Boettcher called the roll of the tellers and the following were present: Linda Goss, Jeff Schmid, Ben Thompson, Mona Mathews, George Isaacson, Wilson Lund, Lawrence Roeder, Deb Short, and Jim Odness. The tellers met prior to the meeting and selected Jim Odness as Chairperson. The tellers were instructed to take charge of the ballot boxes.

DIRECTOR CANDIDATES Mr. Boettcher then turned the meeting over to the attorney, Mr. John Hibbard. Mr. Hibbard explained that it is unusual not to have opposition for any of the incumbents. He explained the efforts that are made to seek out candidates. He introduced each of the Director candidates for Districts 1, 5, and 8, as follows;

District No. 1 – Thomas Schwartz (Incumbent); unopposed

District No. 5 – Joseph Becker (Incumbent); Charlene Warner District No. 8 – Jeffrey Frieburg (Incumbent); unopposed

Each candidate present was given the opportunity to address the membership for three minutes, which each candidate did. Mr. Hibbard then offered the membership the chance to speak on behalf of any candidates for a time period of up to three minutes each, with a maximum time of ten minutes. No members spoke.

CLOSE BALLOT BOX The tellers were instructed by Mr. Hibbard to collect all ballots. A motion was made, seconded, and carried to close the ballot box at 6:45 p.m., with instructions to the tellers to count absentee ballots after the close of the ballot box. At this time, the attorney turned the meeting back over to the Chair. The Chair requested that the tellers report the voting results to Ms. Anibas as soon as they are available. The results will be reported tonight at the meeting, on our website, and in the WEC News magazine. The Chair also stated that the organizational meeting of the Board of Directors is scheduled for March 29, 2023 at the Cooperative headquarters.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mr. Boettcher reminded the members of the rules of the meeting, which were published in the March 2023 issue of the WEC News magazine as part of the 2023 Annual Report. The rules of the meeting were also available to members in the meeting room tonight. He asked the members if there was any unfinished business. There was none.

NEW BUSINESS Mr. Boettcher introduced and recognized the Concern for Community Award recipient, Joe, “Dudley” Smith. Mr. Smith has extensive dedication to the community, serving on the Augusta School Board for 21 years, been involved in the Farm Service Agency and a strong advocate for the agriculture community. Mr. Smith’s granddaughter, Addison Engstrom accepted the award on his behalf as he was unable to attend the annual meeting. Mr. Boettcher turned the floor over to CEO Monica Obrycki to discuss how Eau Claire Energy Cooperative has served and provided excellent service to its members through the Seven Cooperative Principles. Ms. Obrycki discussed near record growth, member engagement, community service, and more. Mr. Boettcher then addressed the membership and asked if there was any new business to come before the membership. Hearing none, he declared the business session closed and turned the floor to Ms. Obrycki for the question and answer session of the meeting.

QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION Ms. Obrycki explained that she would first answer signed questions that had been deposited in the question box. She was informed there was one written question regarding the WEC News magazine monthly symbol search. Ms. Obrycki also encouraged all members to contact her, or any of the management staff, if they have any questions in the future.

CHAIR’S THANK YOU Mr. Boettcher thanked the members, the Cooperative employees, The Florian Gardens staff, the scholarship recipients, the Youth Ambassadors and the Member Advisory Council in attendance for making the 86th annual meeting of the Cooperative a success. He announced that the 87th annual meeting of the Cooperative will be held on March 19, 2024 at The Florian Gardens.

ADJOURN Mr. Boettcher requested a motion to adjourn the 86th Annual Meeting. That motion was made, seconded, and carried, and the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

PRIZES AWARDED Ms. Obrycki invited the members to stay for dinner after announcement of the prize winners. Winners received $100.00 in cash. The cash prize winners are listed as follows: Adam Wehling, J Todd Berg, Nancy Spehle, Maureen Ziemann, Lorenz Dekan, Bonnie Jackson, Bonnie Peterson, Patrick Kline, Suzanna Mayer.

TELLERS’ REPORT Ms. Anibas read the results of the Director election, as reported by the chairperson of the tellers. The following voting results were reported to the membership:

District No. 1 Thomas Schwartz was elected with 167 votes

District No. 5 Joseph Becker was elected with 134 votes; Charlene Warner had 37 votes

District No. 8 Jeffrey Frieburg was elected with 164 votes

Each of these directors will serve for three (3) years. The original teller report is affixed to these minutes. A signed copy of the teller report is in the 2023 Annual Meeting file.—Judith Anibas, Secretary