Kansas Country Living January 2018 by American MainStreet Publications

E D I TO R’S L E T T E R

Whether Cleaning a Slate or iPad, Make 2018 One for the Record Books Some years are easy to leave behind; others difficult to let go. If SHARE WITH US! your 2017 was one for the record Have an event you would like to run in Around Kansas? books, with good health and good A story idea or comments you want to share with the fortune, perhaps 2018 will continue editor? A recipe and photo for us to consider publishing? that positive trend. If, on the other Let us know: hand, your 2017 continuously ffevents@kansascountryliving.com disappointed, with setbacks and unexpected detours, maybe 2018 will ffletters@kansascountryliving.com kick off with two steps forward, no ffphotos@kansascountryliving.com diversions and no looking back. ffeditor@kansascountryliving.com We’ve entered a month loathed by ffrecipes@kansascountryliving.com many because of the cold temps and sometimes snowy and icy weather. For issues Kansas electric co-ops will be monitoring, others, myself included, January is the tracking and advocating for on behalf of their most optimistic month of the year, where I can clean my slate, or iPad, and start anew. It’s gener- members. On Page 14, we honor the legacies of outgoally the first opportunity to enjoy a real snowfall, ing Kansas electric co-op managers—six retirnot a tease of a dusting. Nothing connects me to ing after decades of service. We also introduce nature more than a leisurely walk in the still of readers to the incoming managers who will carry an evening snowfall. It also helps clear my head of last year’s disappointments and make peace on in the best interest of their members, the with going forward. co-ops and rural Kansas. This issue of Kansas Country Living is all Here’s to hoping the best is yet to come for about moving forward. We offer readers a look all of us in 2018. KCL ahead to 2018 and what might be in store for rural Kansans and the electric co-ops that serve them. We begin on Page 10 with a look at the upcoming Kansas Legislative Session and the VICKI ESTES , EDITOR

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

JANUARY 2018

(ISSN 0091-9586) JANUARY 2018 VOL. 68, NO. 1 © KANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, INC., 2018 WWW.KEC.COOP

Bruce Graham

Chief Executive Officer GETTY IMAGES CARBONBRAIN

Shana Read

Director of Communications

Vicki Estes Editor

Carrie Kimberlin

Manager of Creative Solutions

Jackie Kamphaus

Communications Specialist

JANUARY

Officers Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

Kathleen O’Brien President

Keith McNickle Vice President

Terry Hobbs Secretary

Craig Kostman Treasurer

You receive Kansas Country Living as a service of the following electric co-ops as a cost-effective way to share important information about services, energy savings, electric safety, director elections, meetings and management decisions. It also contains legal notices that otherwise would be published in other media at greater cost: Alfalfa, Cherokee, OK Bluestem, Wamego Brown-Atchison, Horton Butler, El Dorado CMS, Meade Caney Valley, Cedar Vale Doniphan, Troy DS&O, Solomon Flint Hills, Council Grove FreeState, McLouth & Topeka Lane-Scott, Dighton Lyon-Coffey, Burlington Ninnescah, Pratt Pioneer, Ulysses Prairie Land, Norton Radiant, Fredonia Rolling Hills, Beloit Sedgwick County, Cheney Sumner-Cowley, Wellington Tri-County, Hooker, OK Twin Valley, Altamont Victory, Dodge City Western, WaKeeney Wheatland, Scott City Your co-op’s board of directors authorizes a subscription to Kansas Country Living on behalf of the membership at a cost of $5.88 per year. Individual subscriptions are $10 per year (tax included).

10| Weighty Issues Ahead Learn which issues expected to be addressed by the 2018 Kansas Legislature could affect co-ops.

14| Leadership & Legacies

“LIKE” Kansas Country Living on Facebook.

D E PA RT M E N T S

Six retiring Kansas electric co-op managers have paved the way for new leadership.

6| Commentary Finding trivia and truths

20| 5 Financial Moves

Your Utility Bills 8| Cut Thermostat smarts

Start the new year off right during January’s Financial Wellness Month.

22| Designer Electricity Consumers have more say than ever before over their electric service.

Thrive through winter blues

My Way Home 24| Cooking Comfort includes custard

28| Safety Melting the slippery slopes Recipes 29| Monthly Protein breakfasts ON THE COVER The 2018 Kansas Legislative Session convenes with a potential list of issues KEC is monitoring on behalf of electric co-op members.

Postmaster: Send returns to Kansas Country Living, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267.

Advertising: Kansas Country Living is a member of American MainStreet Publications (www.amp.coop), collectively reaching more than 27 million readers monthly. Advertisers call 512-441-5200. Acceptance of advertising by Kansas Country Living does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives.

18| Your Place in the Garden 26| Marketplace Find products, services you need

Co-op Members: Please report address changes to your local electric co-op.

Kansas Country Living is published monthly by Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, KS, and additional entry offices. Editorial offices: P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267; 785-478-4554.

Kansas 4| Around New year, new events

P H OTO BY JACKIE KAMPHAUS

JANUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

T H I N G S TO D O

JAN. 27 Celebrate Kansas Day!, Newton. Celebrate

the 150th anniversary of the Chisholm Trail from 1 to 4 p.m. at Kauffman Museum with family activities including crafts, performances, Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, wagon rides, exhibits, games, a bake sale and more. Experience live longhorn close up and a walk on the actual Chisholm Trail. A barbecue food truck will sell items following the 11 a.m. “Head ‘Em Up & Move ‘Em Out” presentation by Jim Gray, executive director of the National Drovers Hall of Fame. Free and open to the public. 316-283-1612, www.kauffman.bethelks.edu.

FRIDAYS IN JANUARY Swedish Friendship Group, Lindsborg. Enjoy coffee with friends at 10 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church. 320 N. Main St., 785-227-2167. THROUGH JAN. 5 Filley Festival of Trees, Pratt. Vernon Filley Art Museum, 421 S. Jackson St. THROUGH JAN. 14 D uty First: 100 Years

of the Big Red One, Manhattan. Epic 100-year history of 1st Infantry Division with full summation from founding of the Big Red One in 1917 and chronicles of Black Jack Pershing in WWI, through WWII, Vietnam, Gulf Wars and more. In the Tallgrass Gallery at the Flint Hills Discovery Center; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 785-587-2726, www. flinthillsdiscovery.org. THROUGH JANUARY R ooster Roundup,

Southwest Kansas Communities. Southwest Kansas is the place to hunt pheasant this season. Winners of “Rooster Roundup” birds and “Bounty Birds” will be entered into a drawing for prizes announced after the end of Pheasant season. The “Bounty Bird” bands are associated with additional prizes. If you bag any of these banded pheasants, bring the leg band to that community’s registration point to register the band and be entered into the drawing. 620-225-8191. VARIOUS DATES IN JANUARY Farm Financial

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

JANUARY 2018

Workshops, Various Locations. A farm analyst will work with individuals and families to assess a farm’s financial position and help identify possible options to make the business more profitable and increase cash flow. Farm families will come away with a balance sheet, enterprise budget, base business plan and alternative business plan scenarios. Financial records must be submitted ahead of the appointment. Jan. 11-12 – Salina - Registration deadline Dec. 21. Records must be received by Jan. 3. Jan. 23-24 – Kingman - Registration deadline Dec. 21. Records must be received by Jan. 5. Registration and information is available at www.agmanager.info/events/farm-financialworkshops or by contacting Robin Reid at 785-532-0964 or robinreid@ksu.edu. THROUGH FEB. 4 G etting Hooked: The Rugs of Cecilia Evans Clement, Volland. 24098 Volland Rd., Southwest of Alma on Old K-10 Highway, www. thevollandstore.com. THROUGH APRIL 1 P.F.C John L. Meyer

Jr., My Road to Nuremberg, Topeka. John L. Meyer, Jr., a native of Phillipsburg, was drafted into the Army in 1943. He was discharged in 1946 but before he could return to Kansas, Meyer was selected to perform a most unusual service for the army: He would build the model of the courtroom for the Nuremberg Trials. See this exhibit in the Kansas Historical Society research room in

Topeka. 6425 SW 6th Ave., 785-272-8681. THROUGH APRIL 1 Chisholm Trail:

Driving the American West, North Newton. Kauffman Museum at Bethel College invites you to celebrate the 150th anniversary of cattle drives that crossed the college campus from 1867 to 1871 en route to beef-hungry easterners. Watch film clips from The Old Chisholm Trail and Red River, explore the cowboy song “The Old Chisholm Trail,” create your own brand and pose with life-size steel-formed longhorn cattle. Then search for trail ruts just north of the museum. Kauffman Museum, 27th and North Main, 316-283-1612, kauffman.bethelks.edu. JAN. 1-FEB. 16 Exhibit “Non Objectives,”

Ellsworth. The Ellsworth Area Art Center will host the Charlie Rogers Exhibit “Non Objectives.” Open Monday-Friday, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. 223 N. Douglas Ave.

JAN. 6-7 AND JAN 13-14 Young Guns,

Dodge City. Young Guns Association is a Kansas not-for-profit corporation, that promotes and provides standardized timed events for the young people of Kansas and surrounding areas. Western State Bank Expo Center, 620-338-8284. JAN. 12-APR. 14 Michael Jilg and

Leon Staab, Pratt. A guest exhibition highlighting exuberant flower images through the work of Michael Jilg, painter and Leon

Staab, photographer. Vernon Filley Art Museum, 421 S. Jackson St. JAN. 19-21 Winter Expo of Southwest Kansas, Dodge City. A unique variety trade show featuring Items for men, women and kids. Lawn, flower, garden, gun show, food vendors, entertainment, free admission. 620-338-8284. JAN. 20 Toy Show and Sale, Dodge

City. The Knights of Columbus hold this event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall. 800 W. Frontview, 620-430-4727. JAN. 20 Lamb Fry, Bazine. All you can

eat lamb fries, ham and all the trimmings at Bazine American Legion at 6 p.m. Join us for the best fries you will ever eat. 785-798-5278, 785-398-1117 or 785-798-5688.

families will come away with a balance sheet, enterprise budget, base business plan and alternative business plan scenarios. Financial records must be submitted ahead of the appointment. Feb. 7 – Colby - Registration deadline Jan. 16. Records must be received by Jan. 29. Feb. 8 – Dodge City - Registration deadline Jan. 16. Records must be received by Jan. 29. Feb. 12-13 – Emporia - Registration deadline Jan. 16. Records must be received by Jan. 31. Registration and information is available at www.agmanager.info/events/farm-financialworkshops or contact Robin Reid at 785-5320964 or robinreid@ksu.edu. FEB. 1-4 & FEB. 8-11 “ Dog Sees God:

JAN. 23 Eagle Day at Kirwin Wildlife Refuge, Glade. Experience a close encounter with a live Bald Eagle. Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge sponsors this American Bald Eagle and raptor program for the public at 7 p.m. Dane G. Hansen Scout Camp, www.fws.gov/refuge/kirwin.

Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead,” Hutchinson. Inspired by Charles Schultz’s Peanuts comic strip but recommended for those 18 years and older, this is the story of CB who begins to question the existence of an afterlife when his dog dies from rabies. Performances at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Stage 9, 9 S. Main, 620665-0009, www.stage9hutch.com.

JAN. 25 Real Men Sing, Lindsborg.

FEB. 2-4 K ansas Muzzleloading

All-day event held at Bethany College. 335 E. Swensson.

JAN. 28 Saving Constitutional Hall,

Lecompton. Part of the Bleeding Kansas Program Series in 2018, this is one in the series of talks and dramatic interpretations on the violent territorial and Civil War of Kansas and of the nation. Begins at 2 p.m. at the Constitution Hall State Historic Site. 319 Elmore, 785-887-6520, www.lecomptonkansas.com. VARIOUS DATES IN FEBRUARY F arm

Financial Workshops, Various Locations. A farm analyst will work with individuals and families to assess a farm’s financial position and help identify possible options to make the business more profitable and increase cash flow. Farm

Convention and Trade Show, Manhattan. If you have an interest in shooting or hunting with muzzleloaders, or you just want to experience fur trade history, don’t miss this event. There will be everything from beads to buckskins, tanned beaver hides and buffalo robes along with many flintlock and percussion guns. Four Points by Sheraton, contact Doug Nulik, 316305-8910. SUNDAYS IN FEBRUARY B leeding Kansas

Program Series, Lecompton. T he series of talks and dramatic interpretations on the violent territorial and civil war of Kansas and of the nation begin at 2 p.m. at the Constitution Hall State Historic Site. Feb. 4 – “Weapons of Kansas and Missouri: Calvary Carbines of the Civil War.”

Feb. 11 – “Marching Home: Union Veterans and Their Unending Civil War.” Feb. 18 – “The Bandit Rides Again, Jesse James, Whiskeyhead Ryan & the Glendale Train Robbery.” Feb. 25 – “The Wyandots, Quindaro and other Immigrant Tribes of Bleeding and Civil War Kansas.” 319 Elmore, 785-887-6520, www. lecomptonkansas.com. FEB. 17-18 G un and Coin Show, Phillipsburg. Held at the Phillips County Fairgrounds Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 785-543-5328 or 785-543-6489. MARCH 4 “ Black Civil War Veterans Build a Church in 1867,” Lecompton. Part of the Bleeding Kansas Program Series in 2018, this is one in the series of talks and dramatic interpretations on the violent territorial and civil war of Kansas and of the nation. Begins at 2 p.m. at the Constitution Hall State Historic Site. 319 Elmore, 785-8876520, www.lecomptonkansas.com. MARCH 24 C hocolate for Casa,

Phillipsburg. Mark your calendars! This event begins at 5 p.m. at the Huck Boyd Center with social and silent and live auctions starting at 6 p.m. 860 Park St. kansascasa.org/district-events/2018-casachocolate-auction. MARCH 22-24 3 i Show, Dodge City. T his annual show has been moved to the winter months in response to surveys from farmers and producers. Show hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Western State Bank Expo Center, 11333 Highway 283, 877-405-2883 or 620-227-8082. KCL

Send your event information by the fifth of the month prior to publication to events@ kansascountryliving.com. Please include a contact phone number. We publish events free as space allows. JANUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

C O M M E N TA RY

Trivia and Truths to Start the New Year BY B R U C E G R A H A M

I love bookstores any time of the year but

Bruce Graham

Clearly there are many places to get such truths. But probably the longest running book of interesting bits is the Old Farmer’s Almanac, which celebrated its 225th year of publication in 2017.

the holiday season always lures me in more often for a couple good reasons: ffMy wife is a retired elementary school librarian so books of all kinds are treasured in our house. Plus she is in a couple different book clubs around town, so an interesting volume or two makes a good gift. ffBookstores are usually a reliable respite during the holiday shopping hustle. And during those retreats, while I might have a more cultured gift in hand, I can usually be found loitering among the novelty books with short stories and useless trivia as my favorites. On a recent visit, I came across So, Now You Know – a Compendium of Completely Useless Information. The book was authored (or gathered) by Harry Bright and Harlan Briscoe—a couple of guys who self-admit they have too much time on their hands. If I hadn’t picked up this book though, I wouldn’t have learned that it takes more than 2,000 cows to supply the NFL with enough leather for a year’s worth of footballs; that a “jiffy” is an actual unit of time, most commonly interpreted as 1/100th of a second; that if the entire population of China were to walk past you in a single file, you would not live long enough to see the end of the line; or that giraffes and humans have the same number of vertebrae in the neck— seven; the giraffes’ are just much larger. It might also be important to know that a group of flamingos is called a pat. A group of frogs is called an army. A group of rhinoceroses is called a crash. A group of kangaroos is called a mob. A group of apes is called a shrewdness. A group of cats is called a clutter. A group of larks is called an exaltation. A group of owls is called a parliament. A group of ravens is called a murder. There are more than 150 pages of such weird and wonderful bits of knowledge, including the origin of the word trivia. According to So Now You Know, the word trivia comes from the Latin tri, meaning “three,” and via, meaning “street.” The Latin word trivium means “public square” where the ancient Romans would gather to discuss everyday things. The internet is also full of places to find

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

JANUARY 2018

fun facts—and we all know if it’s on the internet it must be true! According to the web, only 2 percent of the earth’s population naturally have green eyes; the main exporter of Brazil nuts is not Brazil, it’s Bolivia; the average woman uses her height in lipstick every five years; in 2015, more people were killed from injuries caused by taking a selfie than by shark attacks; and the most common street name in the U.S. is Second (often Main Street is First Street). Clearly there are many places to get such truths. But probably the longest running book of interesting bits is the Old Farmer’s Almanac, which celebrated its 225th year of publication in 2017. The 2018 edition tells us: 68 percent of U.S. households have at least one pet; how long you can safely store a long list of foods in the freezer; the best days of the month to color your hair, wash floors, see the dentist, pour concrete, buy a home and effectively accomplish dozens of other tasks. The weather forecasts are particularly fascinating with temperature and precipitation predictions for the full year that have a historical accuracy average of 80 percent. It’s fun to absorb such trifles, but perhaps my New Year’s resolution should be to turn the pages of more thoughtful tomes. Then again, according to the internet, only 23 percent of everyone who makes a resolution will see it through to completion. Happy New Year and thanks for reading Kansas Country Living! KCL BRUCE GRAHAM is Chief Executive Officer of Kansas

Electric Cooperatives, Inc. in Topeka.

DID YOU KNOW? ffThere are more plastic flamingos in the United

States than real ones. ffThe muzzle of a lion is like a fingerprint; no two

are exactly alike. ffYour feet are bigger in the afternoon than they

are during the rest of the day. Source: So, Now You Know – a Compendium of Completely Useless Information

SUPER COUPON

800+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com

Battle Tested

12000 LB. OFF-ROAD VEHICLE ELECTRIC WINCH WITH AUTOMATIC LOAD-HOLDING BRAKE NOW

9 $2999

399

SUPER COUPON

• 3.5" LCD Display • Battery Included ITEM 63604/63758 98025/69096/63759/90899 shown

SAVE $40

ITEM 68053/62160/62496/62516/69252/60569 shown

*17817983 * 17817983

MODEL: 56467

COMPARE TO

DURALAST

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

9999

MODEL: T815016L

*17804188 * 17804188

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

TRIPLE BALL 12" SLIDING COMPOUND TRAILER HITCH DOUBLE-BEVEL MITER SAW

• Laser guide

NOW

SAVE 60% ITEM 61914 *17819256 * 17819256

COMPARE TO

REESE

$19 $3399

4999

MODEL: 7068833

9 $1299 $19999 $

COMPARE TO

KOBALT

Blade sold separately.

• Weighs 6 lbs. 800 TORQUE FT. LBS. BOLT BREAKAWAY

299

SAVE $169

Customer Rating

COMPARE TO

*17823302 * 17823302 LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

26", 4 DRAWER TOOL CART

23999 MODEL: 154156

$7999 SAVE $ 160 9999 $

ITEM 63100

COMPARE TO

OPTRONICS

$ 3359 SAVE 70%

MODEL: TL21RK

*17829790 * 17829790

COMPARE TO

HUSKY

$99

179

MODEL: HOUC3304B10

14999

ITEM 61634/61952/64096/95659 shown

• Crane height adjusts from 73-5/8" to 89"

NOW

4-1/2" ANGLE GRINDER

Customer Rating

SAVE $60

$179 $23999

ITEM 60388 69514 shown

SAVE 55%

VENOM $ 32

ITEM 61363/68497/61360 61359/68496/68498 shown

MODEL: VEN4145

SUPER COUPON

TORQUE WRENCHES LIFETIME WARRANTY

Customer Rating

Item 239 shown

DRIVE 1/4"

ITEM 2696/61277/63881

3/8"

807/61276/63880

1/2"

62431/239/63882

• Accuracy within ±4%

YOUR CHOICE

$999

8497

MODEL: H2DTWA

LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

COMPARE TO

PERFORMAX

2580

MODEL: 2411-1

$999 $1499

ITEM 69645/60625 shown

Customer Rating

20 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS 1/2" COMPACT DRILL/DRIVER KIT • 450 in. lbs. of torque • 1.5 amp hour battery • Weighs 3.4 lbs.

NOW

SAVE $39 PORTER-CABLE

MODEL: PCC601LB

$5 999 $7499

NOW

99 1899SAVE $14

COMPARE TO $ 88 AMERICAN MODEL: 18600 39% ITEM 63448/69854/61964 shown

*17848118 * 17848118

*17851751 * 17851751 LIMIT 6 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

SUPER COUPON

6 GALLON, 1.5 HP,150 PSI PROFESSIONAL OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSOR

N SAVE $70 $9999 COMPARE TO $16999 $12499 PORTER-CABLE MODEL: C2002

ITEM 62511/62894/62380/68149/67696 shown

Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

2/10/50 AMP, 12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGER/ ENGINE STARTER NOW

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 5/6/18.

SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC

6999 SAVE 57%

MODEL: SE-1250

LIMIT 5- Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

SUPER COUPON

72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET

Customer Rating

NOW

$5 99 $899 19

$2999

*17872395 * 17872395

COMPARE TO

*17875903 * 17875903

COMPARE TO

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

BLUE HAWK $ 99 ITEM 63531

ITEM 60581 60653 shown

*17866627 * 17866627

SUPER COUPON

COMPARE TO

SAVE $ 99 88% *17874938 * 17874938

COMPARE TO $

SAVE 61%

LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

For dead loads only; not for lifting.

NOW

*17866412 * 17866412

*17858122 * 17858122

SUPER COUPON

4000 LB. CAPACITY CABLE WINCH PULLER

Customer Rating Cu

COMPARE TO

ITEM 69265/62344/93897 shown

• Air delivery: 2.5 CFM @ 90 PSI, 3.4 CFM @ 40 PSI

SAVE $39

Customer Rating

$ 99

$5 99

NOW

MODEL: SGY-AIR184

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

SUPER COUPON

• 5 mil thickness

KOBALT

LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

2 TON CAPACITY POWDER-FREE FOLDABLE SHOP CRANE NITRILE GLOVES • Boom extends from PACK OF 100 41" to 61-3/4"

Customer Rating

COMPARE TO

$5 999 $7999

*17828654 * 17828654

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

SUPER COUPON

NOW

SUPER COUPON

*17845493 * 17845493

LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

HUSKY

NOW

Customer Rating

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

Customer Rating

SAVE $79

3/8" x 50 FT. RETRACTABLE AIR HOSE REEL

*17824390 * 17824390

• 6200 cu. in. of storage • 580 lb. capacity • Weighs 97 lbs.

NOW

SUPER COUPON

ITEM 62627/68424 shown

SUPER COUPON

12 VOLT MAGNETIC TOWING LIGHT KIT

*17798132 * 17798132

LIMIT 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/6/18.

A. 1/2" PROFESSIONAL AIR IMPACT WRENCH

ITEM 62746

INGERSOLL RAND

SUPER COUPON

ANY SINGLE ITEM

B. 1/2" PROFESSIONAL AIR IMPACT WRENCH WITH 2" EXTENDED ANVIL YOUR CHOICE

Customer Rating

MODEL: SM3055LW

20% OFF

SUPER COUPON

ITEM 61969/61970/69684 shown

LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

Customer Rating

LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/6/18. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

1351

MODEL: MT-1210

$5999 $7999

• Weighs 86.4 lbs. • 21" L x 10-1/8" H

69999

PROSKIT

Customer Rating

ANY PURCHASE

7 FUNCTION DIGITAL MULTIMETER

COMPARE TO

*17815530 * 17815530

WARN

WITH

• 3-1/2 pumps lifts most vehicles • Lifts from 3-1/2" to 14-1/8" • Lightweight 34 lbs.

SAVE Voted Best $400 Winches ITEM 64046/64045/63770 shown COMPARE TO $

FREE

RAPID PUMP® 1.5 TON ALUMINUM RACING JACK NOW

M-REG128244_KansasCountryLiving

SUPER COUPON

MODEL: 77280

SAVE 70%

Customer Rating

ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown

*17876147 * 17876147 LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

6.5 HP (212 CC) OHV HORIZONTAL SHAFT GAS ENGINE NOW

SAVE $230 COMPARE TO

HONDA

32999

MODEL: GX200UT2QX2

$9999 $11999

ITEM 60363/69730 ITEM 69727 shown CALIFORNIA ONLY

*17882082 * 17882082 LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/6/18*

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

C U T YO U R U T I L I T Y B I L L S

How Smart Should You Get When Purchasing a New Thermostat?

BY PAT R I C K K E E G A N & B R A D T H I E S S E N

Dear Pat: We have an old dial thermostat. There seem to be a lot of choices for thermostats nowadays, but are the pricier, more tech-focused options worth the additional cost? - Ted Dear Ted: Today, many thermostats offer great new technologies and can do things thermostats of the past simply could not do. That said, it’s certainly worth asking if these new thermostats can save enough money to justify the extra cost. Let’s start by looking at the three main options for thermostats: manual, programmable and smart. The main benefits of a MANUAL THERMOSTAT like yours are that it’s simple to operate and there are no batteries to wear out and replace. You just have to remember to raise and lower the temperature setting in the morning and evening, and whenever you leave the house. The second option is the PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT. Typically, this type of thermostat allows settings for four different periods each day. Some models can even handle a different schedule for each day of the week. You control the settings so they will suit your climate, schedule and temperature preferences. You can easily override your program settings anytime.

A programmable thermostat is only effective if it is programmed correctly.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

JANUARY 2018

The third option is a SMART OR “LEARNING” THERMOSTAT. A smart thermostat connects

to your home’s Wi-Fi network. After installation, you input the basics of your schedule and temperature. Over time, as you change the settings, it learns your schedule and adjusts to minimize energy use. Smart thermostats can also detect when no one is home. In addition, you can control it remotely by using an app on your smart phone or mobile device. If your electric co-op has a demand response program that offers discounts for using less power during peak energy use hours, a smart thermostat can provide additional savings on your monthly power bill. The move to smart technology is a significant investment. Units can cost up to $400, although one manufacturer has a new model for about $170. It’s also important to note not all homes have the proper wiring in place to accommodate smart thermostats, so you may need to hire a professional to handle the installation. Back to your initial question: Are newer, more expensive thermostats worth the extra cost? How much a thermostat can save depends on how much you spend on heating and cooling your house. You can estimate your heating and cooling expenses by examining your electric bills (and other utility bills) related to heating your home. Compare the bills for winter and summer to those for spring and fall. Most of the difference is likely due to heating and cooling. If that amount is more than $900 per year, which is the national average, you have a better chance of a good return on your investment. The second factor that will determine how much you can save is how you are operating your old thermostat. If you are conscientious about adjusting the temperature to save energy when you’re leaving the house or going to bed, the new thermostat may not reduce your bills that much, Continued on page 17 

A DV E RT I S E M E N T

Drug Companies Fear Release of the New AloeCure Big Pharma stands to lose billions as doctors’ recommend drug-free “health cocktail” that adjusts and corrects your body’s health conditions.

Drug company execs are nervous. That’s because the greatest health advance in decades has hit the streets. And analysts expect it to put a huge crimp in “Big Pharma” profits. So what’s all the fuss about? It’s about a new ingredient that’s changing the lives of people who use it. Some call it “the greatest discovery since penicillin”! The name of the product is the AloeCure. It’s not a drug. It’s something completely different. And the product is available to anyone who wants it, at a reasonable price. But demands may force future prices to rise. TOP DOC WARNS: DIGESTION DRUGS CAN CRIPPLE YOU! Company spokesperson, Dr. Liza Leal; a leading integrative health specialist recommends AloeCure before she decides to prescribe any digestion drug. Especially after the FDA’s stern warning about long-term use of drugs classified as proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec®, Nexium®, and Prevacid®. In a nutshell, the FDA statement warned people should avoid taking these digestion drugs for longer than three 14-day treatment periods because there is an increased risk of bone fractures. Many people take them daily and for decades. Dr. Leal should know. Many patients come to her with bone and joint complaints and she does everything she can to help them. One way for digestion sufferers to help avoid possible risk of tragic joint and bone problems caused by overuse of digestion drugs is to take the AloeCure.

Acemannan has many of other health benefits?... HELPS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM TO CALM INFLAMMATION According to a leading aloe research, when correctly processed for digesting, the Aloe plant has a powerful component for regulating your immune system called Acemannan. So whether it’s damage that is physical, bacterial, chemical or autoimmune; the natural plant helps the body stay healthy. RAPID ACID AND HEARTBURN NEUTRALIZER Aloe has proved to have an astonishing effect on users who suffer with digestion problems like bouts of acid reflux, heartburn, cramping, gas and constipation because it acts as a natural acid buffer and soothes the digestive system. But new studies prove it does a whole lot more. SIDE-STEP HEART CONCERNS So you’ve been taking proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) for years and you feel just fine. In June of 2015 a major study shows that chronic PPI use increases the risk of heart attack in general population. UNLEASH YOUR MEMORY Studies show that your brain needs the healthy bacteria from your gut in order function at its best. Both low and high dosages of digestion drugs are proven to destroy that healthy bacteria and get in the way of brain function. So you’re left with a sluggish, slow-to-react brain without a lot of room to store information. The acemannan used in AloeCure actually makes your gut healthier, so healthy bacteria flows freely to your brain so you think better, faster and with a larger capacity for memory.

Analysts expect the AloeCure to put a huge crimp in “Big Pharma” profits.

Doctors call it “The greatest health discovery in decades!”

The secret to AloeCure’s “health adjusting” formula is scientifically tested Acemannan, a polysaccharide extracted from Aloe Vera. But not the same aloe vera that mom used to apply to your cuts, scrapes and burns. This is a perfect strain of aloe that is organically grown under very strict conditions. AloeCure is so powerful it begins to benefit your health the instant you take it. It soothes intestinal discomfort and you can avoid the possibility of bone and health damage caused by overuse of digestion drugs. We all know how well aloe works externally on cuts, scrapes and burns. But did you know

SLEEP LIKE A BABY A night without sleep really damages your body. And continued lost sleep can lead to all sorts of health problems. But what you may not realize is the reason why you’re not sleeping. Some call it “Ghost Reflux”. A lowintensity form of acid reflux discomfort that quietly keeps you awake in the background. AloeCure helps digestion so you may find yourself sleeping through the night. CELEBRITY HAIR, SKIN & NAILS Certain antacids may greatly reduce your

by David Waxman Seattle Washington:

body’s ability to break down and absorb calcium. Aloe delivers calcium as it aids in balancing your stomach acidity. The result? Thicker, healthier looking hair…more youthful looking skin… And nails so strong they may never break again. SAVE YOUR KIDNEY National and local news outlets are reporting Kidney Failure linked to PPI’s. Your Kidney extracts waste from blood, balance body fluids, form urine, and aid in other important functions of the body. Without it your body would be overrun by deadly toxins. Aloe helps your kidney function properly. Studies suggest, if you started taking aloe today; you’d see a big difference in the way you feel. GUARANTEED RESULTS OR DOUBLE YOUR MONEY BACK Due to the incredible results people are reporting, AloeCure is being sold with an equally incredible guarantee. “We can only offer this incredible guarantee because we are 100% certain this product will work for those who use it,” Says Dr. Leal. Here’s how it works: Take the pill exactly as directed. You must see and feel remarkable improvements in your digestive health, your mental health, in your physical appearance, the amount inflammation you have throughout your body – even in your ability to fall asleep at night! Otherwise, simply return the empty bottles with a short note about how you took the pills and followed the simple instructions and the company will send you...Double your money back! HOW TO GET ALOECURE This is the official nationwide release of the new AloeCure pill in the United States. And so, the company is offering our readers up to 3 FREE bottles with their order. This special give-away is available for readers of this publication only. All you have to do is call TOLL-FREE 1-800-589-1625 1-800-746-2899 and provide the operator with the Free Bottle Approval Code: JC025. The company will do the rest. Important: Due to AloeCure’s recent media exposure, phone lines are often busy. If you call and do not immediately get through, please be patient and call back.

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

Weighty Issues Ahead Issues to be considered in the 2018 Legislative Session could impact electric co-ops and you. BY K A N S A S E L E C T R I C C O O P E R AT I V E S , I N C . G O V E R N M E N T R E L AT I O N S STA F F

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

JANUARY 2018

Lawmakers return to Topeka on Jan. 8 for the start of the 2018 Kansas Legislative Session. By law, the session always begins on the second Monday of January and, unless extended by the Legislature, runs for 90 days. The tentative calendar anticipates legislative work, including veto session, wrapping up in early May. This is the second year in the legislative biennium so “blessed” bills from 2017 carry over into this session. Several of the issues considered last year will be in play again in 2018, and there are always new ideas to review that could impact electric cooperatives and member-consumers.

Service Territory Protection

Electric cooperatives in Kansas are looking at legislative options to address deficiencies in current law when a cooperative loses certified territory to a municipal annexation. Our goal is to enact new notice requirements and give co-ops an opportunity to present a meaningful proposal to continue service in the area. While current law requires a city to consider a list of factors when determining who will provide electric service in an annexed area, the law does not require a record of those deliberations. Providing for more extensive documentation during the city’s selection will be an important improvement in order to determine if an appeal should be considered. In addition, ensuring incumbent providers are adequately compensated for loss of all service area is a critical enhancement to the current statute. The loss of opportunity to serve existing and new customers impacts the rates of our member-consumers, and addressing this issue can help cooperatives continue to deliver reliable and affordable electric service now and in the future.

Retail Wheeling

There is a small but active movement in Kansas to restructure the utility industry through a concept called retail wheeling. Last session, proponents of this concept advocated for bills that we believed were an attempt to dismantle the current electric industry in Kansas and require consumers to select their energy supplier. This is not a new concept. Retail wheeling has been in place in some states for years and claims of success are dubious. Utilities in states with retail wheeling have had to divest their genera-

tion resources and, in turn, invest heavily in public education campaigns and marketing departments to communicate with potential customers. Advertising budgets balloon. Power suppliers come and go, creating a possible consumer protection issue. Advocates want to believe that retail wheeling will benefit consumers but experience and research show that a market price doesn’t guarantee a lower price. It means being subject to the fluctuations of a volatile energy market that may be attractive today, but could be wildly different in the future. The effort to dismantle the current electric industry is being driven primarily by large customers who could access the wholesale market and perhaps get a lower rate for electricity. However, the electric cooperatives in Kansas strongly believe that unless all customer classes can benefit, retail wheeling should not be considered.

Scrap metal

Late in the 2017 session, a temporary hold was placed on certain registration components of Continued on page 12 

KCRE ASSISTS CANDIDATES WHO SUPPORT CO-OPS

Kansas electric cooperatives appreciate the dedication of our political leaders who have the courage to serve. It takes a great deal of time, energy and sacrifice to carry out the duties of any office from the school board, township trustee, and city or county commission member to our leaders who serve in Topeka and Washington, D.C. Campaigning to earn those Capitol seats can be very expensive and the electric cooperatives have established Political Action Committees (PACs) to assist candidates who support electric cooperatives. There are two primary PACs—the Action Committee for Rural Electrification is dedicated to federal elections, and the Kansas Committee for Rural Electrification focuses on state races. Both PACs are non-partisan and led by cooperative representatives who participate in the political and PAC process. JANUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Continued from page 11 

the state’s scrap metal act which was approved in 2015. Stakeholders continued to meet over the summer and fall to discuss concerns regarding what information must be collected from scrap metal sellers, where that data will be stored, and how creation and maintenance of the scrap metal database might be funded. Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (KEC), the statewide association for electric cooperatives, is committed to protecting the integrity of the underlying scrap metal legislation which was intended to deter the costly theft of metal, such as utility copper, and improve investigative tools to assist law enforcement when theft does occur.

New Revenue for School Funding

The over-arching obligation for lawmakers during the 2018 session will be to address the Kansas Supreme Court decision that the legislature has failed to provide suitable financing for Kansas schools. Plaintiffs claim the decision requires another $600 million, which will require lawmakers to consider a variety of options. Further cuts to existing programs and services will likely be considered, so will increases to the statewide sales tax, income tax or the statewide property tax mill levy. Sales tax exemptions will be under the microscope again, and it will probably take a combination of new funds and new cuts to unlock the next school funding formula.

Taxing Your Utility Bill

Last session, the legislature considered a monthly fee on residential utilities and another bill that would apply all or part of the state’s 6.5 percent sales tax to residential energy bills. Commercial customers presently pay the sales tax but the rate is zero for residential customers. While neither concept passed in 2017, your utility bill could be a source for school funding in 2018. KEC staff will be monitoring the statehouse budget discussions and stands ready to advocate for cooperative interests. We are concerned that such a significant hike will be perceived as a rate increase by the utility, rather than a mandate from the legislature. It would also undermine the significant efforts members have made to save money through energy efficiency enhancements. We will be updating members on this issue though our publications and social media and encourage readers to express an opinion, favorable or unfavorable, directly with their senator and representative.

Other Issues

Each year, hundreds of bills are introduced and KEC reviews each one for a possible impact on cooperatives and our member-consumers. KEC staff will be attending committees, testifying on bills and communicating with you through our publications and social media. If you have questions on actions “under the dome,” please feel free to contact our staff at 785-478-4554, and follow Kansas Electric Cooperatives on Facebook and Twitter. KCL

STAY CONNECTED — AND INFORMED

The Kansas Electric Cooperatives Facebook page is a great resource for staying connected to the issues important to rural electric cooperatives and the memberowners they serve. On legislative matters, KEC will post regular updates, and when you read about an issue important to you, we hope you will get in contact with your senator and representative. There will be a variety of proposals before the Kansas Legislature in 2018 that affect your life, your community and your cooperative. We hope you will partner with us in educating lawmakers about the issues important to rural electric cooperatives. There will be other issues the KEC will not formally take positions on, but we encourage you to get involved. Citizen participation is a hallmark of our representative form of government and as population shifts toward more metropolitan areas, speaking up for the interest of rural Kansas is critically important.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

JANUARY 2018

Perfect Choice HD Ultra™ is simple to use, hard to see and easy to afford…

Invention of the Year PERSONAL SOUND AMPLIFICATION PRODUCT (PSAP)

IT’S NOT A HEARING AID

Now you see it...

Now you don’t

If you are one of the 48 million Americans suffering from hearing loss, we have great news for you. An innovative team of doctors and engineers have teamed up to create a truly revolutionary personal sound amplifier. It’s not a hearing aid- those require trips to the audiologist, hearing tests and can cost as much as $5,000. It’s also not a cheap amplifier that just makes everything louder, making it virtually impossible to hear conversations. It’s Perfect Choice HD UltraTM… and it may be the perfect solution for you. Perfect Choice HD UltraTM is the first PSAP that features Dynamic Speech Optimization (DSO). This technology enables the device to prioritize the spoken word over other sounds. These noises are generally in different frequencies than voices, but they can drown out the words and make conversations hard to understand. This invention targets the frequencies of the human voice and amplifies the words. It’s even designed to diminish feedback even at higher volumes, so you can customize your hearing experience to meet your needs. Just imagine how great it will feel to be able to understand what people are saying… the first time they say it.

It’s Better COMFORT SOUND QUALITY

Perfect Choice HD UltraTM is perfect for... • Watching TV • Restaurants • Dinner parties • Lectures • Outdoor conversations • Sermons …and other times where you need to turn up the volume That’s only the beginning. This unit is small and lightweight at less than an ounce, so it hides discreetly and comfortably behind your ear. The only way people will know you have it on is if you tell them. Plus, its moisture resistant coating make it durable– you could even leave it in when you take a shower! There’s no fitting or hearing test required, so it’s ready to use right out of the box. Once it’s arrived, a helpful product expert will provide a oneon-one set up over the phone so you’ll get the maximum benefit from this new technology. Call now, and you’ll find out for yourself why so many people love their Perfect Choice HD UltraTM. Call now, and be sure and ask about special discounts for Seniors and Military personnel.

Now With DSO! Less than 1 ounce

Excellent: Optimized for speech

FITTING REQUIRED?

ONE-ON-ONE SETUP

Free

SENIOR AND MILITARY DISCOUNTS

Dynam ic Speec h Optim izatio n

Yes

Call now toll free

1-888-869-3892 Please mention promotional code

107743. 1998 Ruffin Mill Road, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 Perfect Choice HD Ultra is not a hearing aid. If you believe you need a hearing aid, please consult a physician.

81184

Understand what people are saying... the first time

NEW

Leadership

& Legacies

In a year’s time, six Kansas electric cooperatives’ managers will have retired: Dale Coomes, Heartland Rural Electric, Girard; Ron Holsteen, Twin Valley Electric, Altamont; Earnie Lehman, Midwest Energy, Hays; Ken Maginley, Bluestem Electric, Wamego; the late Arlan Mitchell, Doniphan Electric, Troy; and Bob Reece, Flint Hills Rural Electric, Council Grove. This represents 21 percent of the Kansas electric cooperative managers. Together, those retiring have acquired more than 200 years of experience in the electric co-op industry. While this changeover might seem alarming, it is consistent with a 2015 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association report that determined by the year 2020, 20 percent of America’s electric co-op employees will be eligible for retirement. This time of change presents an opportunity to honor our retiring managers and their contributions to their cooperatives and communities, while welcoming the incoming managers: Chuck Goeckel, Flint Hills Rural Electric; James Lednicky, Doniphan Electric; Mike Morton, Bluestem Electric; Pat Parke, Midwest Energy; and Mark Scheibe, Heartland.

BLUESTEM ELECTRIC - - - - - - - - - - - In 1999, PR&W Rural Electric Cooperative, Wamego, consolidated with C&W Rural Electric Cooperative, Clay Center, to form Bluestem Electric Cooperative. At the time of the consolidation, Ken Maginley

The value of the co-op is that you are providing electricity but you are doing it for the right reasons. You are doing it to help other people have a better life. KEN MAGINLEY 14

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

JANUARY 2018

had served as the manager of both cooperatives for three years. Operationally, the cooperatives’ goal was to become more efficient as one, and they did. Bluestem Electric saw efficiency gains and became stronger financially. As a result, Bluestem Electric was able to install automatic meter reading (AMR) technology to further improve efficiencies on behalf of their members. “The value of the co-op is that you are providing electricity but you are doing it for the right reasons. You are doing it to help other people have a better life,” Maginley said. Mike Morton, who started at a grain co-op and has always worked in the co-op world, will continue moving Bluestem Electric forward. He understands the challenges ahead in filling positions as more co-op employees are eligible for retirement. “We’ve got a large number of management positions that will be turning over,” Morton said. “We’ve got to find the right mix of people coming in.” In his 33 years at Bluestem Electric, Maginley continued to explore and implement new technologies to ensure the co-op meets members’ needs in service reliability and in communicating during outages. “We know personally how valuable texting is to us, and we also know that when people are in an outage situation, the obvious question is “when is my power coming back on?”

We’re not just here to sell you electricity, we’re really here to be your trusted adviser. I want it to be a partnership. I want our members to know that we are there for them. JAMES LEDNICKY

So if you can personalize that information to give them some idea it lets them know you are thinking about them.” Morton believes that connecting with members will continue to be a top priority. “As we have younger members coming onto our system, we need to meet some of their needs,” Morton said. “Technology is changing everything and the way we do business. It’s just another method to work with our members to provide better service.”

DONIPHAN - - - - - - - - - - - - Arlan Mitchell served as a board member for 11 years then as manager for Doniphan Electric for more than 18 years, retiring in October 2016 just weeks before passing away. Jim Currie, manager at Brown-Atchison Electric Cooperative, served as interim manager before Doniphan’s Board of Trustees hired permanent manager James Lednicky. Suffice to say, Doniphan members have experienced a few changes in the last year. Lednicky, who has an extensive knowledge of the co-op business model, approaches his new role with an open yet meditative mindset that change for change’s sake doesn’t mean progress. “As we make changes, I am open to any suggestion, but this is the criteria: Number one, you have to tell me how it benefits the membership, and number two, how it benefits all employees and all departments. If you can answer that, then bring that suggestion,” he said. Lednicky and the eight employees who serve Doniphan members are asking questions and looking at options to improve service and com-

munications with members. “Why do we do it the way we do it?” Lednicky said. “If you never ask why, then you just keep doing it the same way without knowing why. You can wait too long, and then the challenge becomes bigger,” he said. Lednicky includes the employees in all aspects of understanding the operations, encouraging them to know where the co-op stands financially by reviewing the financials with them. “Not only do I require you to know how to do your job, I think you will enjoy your job more if you understand how the overall business works,” he said. Lednicky believes employees perform better and enjoy their work more when they understand how the business works, which provides members with better service. “We’re not just here to sell you electricity, we’re really here to be your trusted adviser. I want it to be a partnership. I want our members to know that we are there for them.”

FLINT HILLS - - - - - - - - - - - -

benefit of our members,” Reece said. Reece also oversaw the successful formation of the subsidiary that invested in the DirecTV, rural broadband internet services and propane, all to provide consumer-members with access to services otherwise not available. “We became part of the propane business all to create the rural infrastructure for our consumer-members,” he said. Chuck Goeckel, who has worked with Reece every day for nearly 30 years, said he’s learned from Reece’s ability to assess situations and make decisions and is ready to lead the co-op. “The role of an assistant manager allows you to be involved in a lot of different areas of the business at a hands-on level,” Goeckel said. “The many different hats you get to wear and the department heads and employees you get to work with throughout the company have probably been the most beneficial.” Goeckel is passionate about the rural community and serving them to the best of his ability. “Providing reliable service at a reasonable cost and having good reliability for the member is a lot of what they want and need from us,” he said.

HEARTLAND - - - - - - - - - - -

Like many co-op managers, Dale Coomes’ career began in an entry-level position and progressed over time. He began as a tree trimmer in 1977 then moved to apprentice lineman, lineman, line superintendent, assistant manager and finally, manager and CEO. Establishing a healthy organization and a strong culture that provides for Heartland

During his 28 years as manager at Flint Hills RECA, Bob Reece was instrumental in enhancing the rural infrastructure of Flint Hills RECA’s 10-county service territory. He led initiatives in installing automated meter reading and digital mapping, replacing approximately 1,000 miles of line in the early 2000s in Federal Emergency ManYou hire good people agement Agency (FEMA) and you let them work. restoration after three Present challenges to weather-related disasters. “It increased our reliabil- them and see how they ity and improved the system take them. BOB REECE as a whole, ultimately to the JANUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

My time in those positions gave me a true understanding and grasp of the value of our employees and my obligation to provide them with a good workplace and take care of their needs. DALE COOMES

employees is a direct result of his time working in the various positions within the co-op. “My time in those positions gave me a true understanding and grasp of the value of our employees and my obligation to provide them with a good workplace and to take care of their needs,” Coomes said. Concern for community, co-op principle No. 5, has also remained at the forefront of Heartland’s directives. “We’ve always wanted to be very visible and supportive in the community. And with that just comes the natural participation of our employees. Several years ago, we did an article in our newsletter and listed all of the areas that our employees were involved in the community. It was really impressive the extent of our involvement and the way we touch our community. We’ve always had the strong belief in the value of that and it’s paid off well,” Coomes said. Mark Scheibe, who was director of engineering at Maquoketa Valley Electric Co-op in Anamosa, Iowa, began serving as Heartland’s manager in January 2018. “My wife and I are very impressed with the strength and strong values of both Heartland REC and the communities that it serves,” said Scheibe. “We look

We’re a family. If you treat the employees right, they are going to work for you. That’s why I haven’t retired. I love getting up in the morning and going to work. RON HOLSTEEN

forward to joining the Heartland family and to raising our children in southeast Kansas.”

MIDWEST ENERGY - - - - - - -

Prior to working at Midwest Energy, Inc., Earnie Lehman had years of experience working at investor-owned utilities. After making the transition to the co-op world, Lehman noticed “a very supportive corporate culture amongst the employees.” To continue fostering a strong corporate culture at Midwest, Lehman was actively engaged in the co-op’s day-to-day operations; for example, he made sure to attend as many of the safety meetings as possible. “We do eight safety meetings a month, and participating in those events is a great way to show engagement,” Lehman said. Because he came from the outside, Lehman said he needed to make a determined effort to become a part of and grow the nurturing corporate culture. “My primary tool for doing that was a very simple one: calling each employee on his or her birthday. Since we have about 285 employees at 28 different locations, it was one way of making sure I could personally connect with everyone once a year.” Pat Parke, who grew up in Trego

I have an obligation to contribute to the future of the co-op, given the long experience I have plus seeing the changes coming in the industry. I think I need to prepare Midwest Energy for future generations so we can best serve them. PAT PARKE 16

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

JANUARY 2018

County on a farm, has worked at Midwest for 33 years, most recently as vice president, customer service, and has facilitated the co-op’s strategic planning efforts, which gives him a long-range view of the co-op. “Just a few years ago, a lot of people dismissed renewable energy,” he said. “The price has come down dramatically, and I think we will see some strong competitive pressures from solar panels and batteries.” Parke is grateful for the opportunity to lead Midwest. “The choice of an internal candidate sends a strong message about our entire workforce. We have the knowledge and skills needed to serve our customers well in a rapidly changing industry.”

TWIN VALLEY - - - - - - - - - - When Ron Holsteen joined Twin Valley in 2004, the co-op had six substations but none were connected to each other. If an outage occurred in one area, the co-op couldn’t provide power from another source. “Now if that happens, our crews can run out, open and close a couple of switches and all of those people have power.” Holsteen will retire in 2018 and said his biggest accomplishment at Twin Valley is the co-op’s new office building that provides space for storing trucks and equipment. “It fits our operational needs, and we got it done without having to have a big rate increase,” he said. “The employees love their working facilities now. When I leave, I know they have a great place to work,” Holsteen said. KCL

C U T YO U R U T I L I T Y B I L L S Continued from page 8 

PAT KEEGAN and BRAD THIESSEN are with Collaborative Efficiency. Visit www. collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.

IVE EFFICIEN CY

your monthly heating and cooling bill by turning back your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day. ffThe thermostat is just one piece of the energy efficiency puzzle. You might be able to save more by adding insulation or sealing air leaks. A professional energy audit is always the best way to identify your home’s energy weaknesses. As you make your decision, visit your electric co-op’s website for advice, ratings and maybe even rebates. KCL

BRAD THIESS EN, COLLABO R AT

even if you program it correctly or if it learns your behavior. Whichever direction you go, remember there are other ways you can use your thermostat more efficiently: ffDon’t adjust the thermostat temperature drastically in the hopes of making it heat or cool your home more quickly. ffFor the greatest savings during winter months, keep the temperature at or below 68 degrees Fahrenheit while you are home during the day, and cooler during the night; during summer months, keep it at or above 78 degrees Fahrenheit while you are home. ffYou can save up to 10 percent off

Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely through a smart phone or tablet.

JANUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

YO U R P L A C E I N T H E G A R D E N

Thriving Through the Winter Blues

BY C Y N T H I A D O M E N G H I N I , P H . D .

With the arrival of the new year,

many people look for ways to be healthier. While this is commonly considered in terms of physical health, it’s just as important to consider mental well-being. January and February are said to be two months where depression symptoms peak often due to pressures of paying off recent holiday Cynthia extravagances combined with day after Domenghini, Ph.D. day of dreary winter weather. A foundation of horticulture therapy is the connection humans have with plants for the aesthetics as well as the emotional, psychological and spiritual value. Natural environments have been shown to be places that help alleviate stress, promote peace and can have a positive impact on self-esteem and well-being. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that during the frigid months of winter, when our outdoor exposure is limited, more people suffer with reduced well-being. Gardening indoors can offer many of the positive health outcomes of being in a natural setting. Next time you’re at the market, purchase a pineapple. At home cut the top off the pineapple about one-half inch below the base of the leaves. Remove the leaves closest to the base and the fleshy fruit to reveal the stem of the pineapple. Allow the pineapple top to dry for several days to prevent rotting. Next, plant the pineapple top in a loose potting media of either perlite, vermiculite or sand. Bury the base in the media up to the bottom leaves. Place the pineapple in bright, indirect light and keep the media moist to encourage rooting, which should occur within six to eight weeks. After roots develop, transplant the pineapple into a container of potting mix. Water your plant regularly, and grow it in a sunny window. Fertilize with a well-balanced, dry fertilizer with micro-nutrients every eight weeks and with a foliar spray that includes the common ingredients of nitrogen and potassium, in addition to magnesium and iron every eight to 10 weeks. Another houseplant that can be acquired from the market and started this time of year is an avocado plant. Save the seed from one avocado and insert three toothpicks into the

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

JANUARY 2018

sides with the pointed end of the seed facing up. Fill a jar with water and set the seed in the water allowing the toothpicks to hold the seed at the opening of the jar. The bottom part of the seed, the more rounded part, should be submerged in the water. Place the jar in a sunny window and in a couple of weeks you should see roots growing into the water and a sprout emerging from the top. Transplant your seed into a container of potting mix leaving about 1 inch of the seed above the soil surface. Water your plant regularly keeping the soil moist and allow plenty of bright, indirect light. Be forewarned, while both of these gardening endeavors can provide attractive and unique houseplants, it will take several years before they are bearing fruit. Even then, the fruit may not be as delicious as the original that provided the start for your new plant. Consider this winter mood booster to be an inexpensive experiment that brings the outdoors in and allows year-round gardening. KCL CYNTHIA DOMENGHINI is an instructor and coordinator for K-State’s horticultural therapy online certificate program.

Gardening indoors can offer many of the positive health outcomes of being in a natural setting. Try growing your own pineapple and avocado plants by starting them indoors.

Clip this offer and please call today!

Now, from United of Omaha Life Insurance Company and Companion Life Insurance Company...

Whole Life Insurance. Are you between the ages of 45 and 85*? Then this GUARANTEED ACCEPTANCE policy is for YOU! >> Choose from 4 benefit levels - up to $25,000! >> Rates “lock-in” at the age you enroll - never go up again! >> Call for your FREE all-by-mail enrollment packet!

1-800-374-4394

>> Call TOLL-FREE Or enroll online at

www.DirectLifeOmaha.com

NO medical exam!

NO health questions!

Plus... Proceeds paid directly to your beneficiary Builds cash value and is renewable up to age 100!**... Then automatically pays YOU full benefit amount! Policy cannot be canceled – EVER – because of changes in health!

Why this policy? Why now? Our graded death benefit whole life insurance policy can be used to pay funeral costs, final medical expenses...or other monthly bills. You know how important it can be to help protect your family from unnecessary burdens after you pass away. Maybe your own parents or loved one did the same for you. OR, maybe they DIDN’T and you sure wish they would have! The important thing is that, right now, you can make a decision that could help make a difficult time a little easier for your loved ones. It’s a responsible, caring and affordable decision. And, right now, it’s something you can do with one simple phone call. You may have been putting off purchasing life insurance, but you don’t have to wait another day. This offer is a great opportunity to help start protecting your family today.

Your affordable monthly rate will “lock-in” at your enrollment age* ... $3,000.00 Benefit

Age 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-85

Male $10.45 $11.50 $14.20 $17.20 $20.50 $27.40 $37.00 $50.50

Female $8.80 $9.70 $11.95 $13.30 $16.00 $21.40 $30.10 $42.55

$5,000.00 Benefit

Male $16.75 $18.50 $23.00 $28.00 $33.50 $45.00 $61.00 $83.50

Female $14.00 $15.50 $19.25 $21.50 $26.00 $35.00 $49.50 $70.25

$10,000.00 $25,000.00 Benefit

Benefit

Male Female Male Female $32.50 $27.00 $79.75 $66.00 $36.00 $30.00 $88.50 $73.50 $45.00 $37.50 $111.00 $92.25 $55.00 $42.00 $136.00 $103.50 $66.00 $51.00 $163.50 $126.00 $89.00 $69.00 $221.00 $171.00 $121.00 $98.00 $301.00 $243.50 $166.00 $139.50 $413.50 $347.25

The rates above include a $12 annual policy fee.

This is a solicitation of insurance, an agent (In OR & WA: producer) may contact you. These policies contain benefits,

reductions, limitations, and exclusions to include a reduction in death benefits during the first two years of policy ownership. Policy Form ICC11L057P or state equivalent (in FL: 7722L-0505; in NY: 827Y-0505).

Not available in all states. In NY, during the first two years, 110% of premiums will be paid. Website unavailable for NY residents. EASY WAY Whole Life Insurance is underwritten by United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, Omaha, NE 68175, which is licensed nationwide except NY. Life insurance policies issued in NY are underwritten by Companion Life Insurance Company, Hauppauge, NY 11788. Each company is responsible for its own financial and contractual obligations. *Age eligibility and benefits may vary by state. **In FL policy is renewable until age 121. AFN44167_0113

Money Changes to Make in 2018 Start the new year off right during Financial Wellness Month

Many people make health-related resolu-

GET T Y IMAGES/NASTCO

tions for the new year. Physical health is important, but people should also be concerned about the health of their finances. Instead of making general resolutions like paying down debt or saving money for retirement, financial expert Gregg Murset, CEO of BusyKid, recommends people make more specific goals and put it on their calendars to review their progress each month. Skip Paper for Plastic – When you shop with cash it can be harder for you to track where you are spending your money. Plus, you miss out on benefits like credit card points. By using a card for your purchases, you can more easily budget how much you spend on food, gas, entertainment and other items each month. You will be able to spot where you can cut spending and identify money that can be saved or invested.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

JANUARY 2018

Overcome Investing Fears – According to Gallup, in 2016 only 52 percent of U.S. adults owned stock, including individual stock, a stock mutual fund or a self-directed 401(k) or IRA. You don’t have to be incredibly wealthy to be an investor. Start small and decide, based on your age and financial health, how much risk you can afford. Get kids involved in investing as well by using BusyKid to teach them about earning, saving and investing. DIY More – Americans spend a lot of extra money on conveniences. From your morning coffee to a prepared lunch from the grocery store to dinner out. There are probably many places you are spending money that could be eliminated to create more opportunities for savings. Try making morning coffee at home and mealprepping lunch for the week over your weekend. The savings will really add up! Give Time – While charity organizations certainly appreciate financial donations, your time is also valuable. If you cannot afford to donate money to a local charity, volunteer instead. Recruit friends and family to volunteer with you to make the experience a shared reward. Get a Crystal Ball – When you are just saving to save it can be hard to stay motivated. Choose a big personal goal or an experience for your family that you want to accomplish this year. Write it down, print out photos that represent it and hang a sign somewhere you will regularly see it. Making your goal tangible can help you stay on track and motivate you to say no to going to the movies, buying new shoes that you do not need or other small, dispensable purchases. KCL

Eliminate Belly Fat with Vinegar! Find Out How…

by James Victor If you want to lose weight and keep it off -- hate dieting and are tired of taking pills, buying costly diet foods or gimmick “fast loss” plans that don’t work-- you’ll love the easy Vinegar way to lose all the pounds you want to lose. And keep them off! Today, the natural Vinegar weight loss plan is a reality after years of research by noted vinegar authority Emily Thacker. Her just published book “Emily’s Vinegar Diet Book” will help you attain your ideal weight the healthiest and most enjoyable way ever. You’ll never again have to count calories. Or go hungry. Or go to expensive diet salons. Or buy pills, drugs. If you like food and hate dieting, you’ll love losing weight the Vinegar way. Suddenly your body will be energized with new vigor and zest

as you combine nature’s most powerful, nutritional foods with vinegar to trim away pounds and look years younger. You’ll feel and look years younger shedding unhealthy pounds that make one look older than their age. In fact, the book’s program is so complete that it also helps you: • Learn secrets of ageless beauty and glowing skin • Help build the immune system, to fight arthritis and disease • Speed the metabolism to use natural thermogenesis to burn fat PLUS so much more that you simply must use the book’s easy Vinegar way to lose all the weight you want to lose-- and enjoy all its other benefits-- before deciding if you want to keep it. TO ORDER A COPY of Emily’s Vinegar Diet Book see Savings Coupon with Free Gift Offer

Hydrogen Peroxide Can Heal WHAT? by James Victor Hydrogen peroxide is trusted by every hospital and emergency room in the country for its ability to kill deadly germs like E. coli and the swine flu virus. In fact, it has attracted so much interest from doctors that over 6000 articles about it have appeared in scientific publications around the world. Research has discovered that hydrogen peroxide enables your immune system to function properly and fight infection and disease. Doctors have found it can shrink tumors and treat allergies, Alzheimer’s, asthma, clogged arteries, diabetes, digestive problems and migraines. Smart consumers nationwide are also discovering there are hundreds of health cures and home remedy uses for hydrogen peroxide. A new book called The Magic of Hydrogen Peroxide is now available that tells you exactly how to use hydrogen peroxide by itself... and mixed with simple everyday kitchen items... to make liniments, rubs, lotions, soaks and tonics that treat a wide variety of ailments. It contains tested and proven health cures that do everything from relieving chronic pain to making age spots go away. You’ll be amazed to see how a little hydrogen peroxide mixed with ordinary kitchen items can: • Relieve arthritis, rheumatism

& fibromyalgia • Treat athlete’s foot, foot and nail fungus • Clear up allergies and sinus problems • Soothe sore throats, fight colds and flu • Help heal boils and skin infections • Whiten teeth without spending a fortune • Destroy dental bacteria and heal gingivitis • Help heal cold sores, canker sores • Relieve insect bites and stings • Soothe sore feet, soothe muscle aches • Help minor wounds and cuts heal faster • Clear up acne, rashes and yeast infections The Magic of Hydrogen Peroxide also shows you how to make money saving household cleaners that: • Kill germs on kitchen surfaces and utensils • Make a powerful scouring powder that works wonders on sinks, refrigerators and ovens • Disinfect coffee makers, tea pots and blenders • Sanitize wood cutting boards and spoons • Make wood floors, grout and linoleum gleam • Kill bacteria on fruits, vegetables and meats • Clean toilets, tubs, showers • Clean and disinfect pet stains • Remove mold and mildew • Remove wine, ink and blood stains • Boost laundry detergents • Clean windows & mirrors • Rid pets of parasites • Make plants flourish TO ORDER A COPY of The Magic of Hydrogen Peroxide see Savings Coupon with Free Gift Offer

Vinegar is like a Drugstore in a Bottle by James Victor Thousands of years ago ancient healers trusted apple cider vinegar, and modern research shows - vinegar truly is a wonder cure! From the Bible to Cleopatra to the fierce Samurai warriors of Japan, vinegar has been documented as a powerful tonic to ensure strength, power and long life. You’ll get easy recipes that mix vinegar with other common household items to help: • Calm an upset stomach • Ease leg cramps • Soothe sprained muscles • Control appetite to lose weight • Relieve coughs • Banish nausea • Arthritis pain • Make hiccups disappear • Cool a sunburn • Boost memory • Reduce sore throat pain • Relieve itchy skin • Lower blood pressure & cholesterol • Eliminate bladder infections • Chase away a cold • Treat burns • Reduce infection • Aid digestion

• Improve memory • Soothe sore feet • Treat blemishes & age spots • Remove corns & calluses • Replace many household cleaners And that’s just the beginning of the over 1000 new and improved hints and tips that you’ll get. Strep and Staph infections? Vinegar is a powerful antiseptic and kills even these dangerous bacteria on contact. Headaches will fade away with this simple vinegar concoction. Feel good and look good with these hair and skinfriendly vinegar remedies. You’ll learn when you should and should not use vinegar. Yes that’s over 1000 triedand-true remedies and recipes in this handsome collector’s edition and it’s yours to enjoy for 90-risk free days. That’s right, you can read and benefit from all 168-pages without obligation to keep it. TO ORDER A COPY of the Vinegar Anniversary Book see Savings Coupon with Free Gift Offer ©2018 JDI MPJ100S13

Savings Coupon Here’s how to get the Vinegar Anniversary Book, Emily’s Vinegar Diet Book and The Magic of Hydrogen Peroxide on a 90 day money back guarantee. Simply fill out this coupon and mail to:

James Direct Inc., Dept. MPJ144, 500 S. Prospect Ave., Box 980, Hartville, Ohio 44632 _____ Get any 1 book for $12.95 + $3.98 S & H (Total of $16.93) _____ SAVE - Get any 2 books for only $20 with FREE S & H _____ SAVE - Get any 3 books for only $30 with FREE S & H Check the books you want below: Qty ___ VA Vinegar Anniversary Qty ___ VB Vinegar Diet Qty ___ HP Hydrogen Peroxide Total Enclosed _________ Orders mailed within 10 days also receive a FREE Mystery Gift PLEASE PRINT Phone ( __________ ) __________________ Name _________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________ City __________________________ State ______ Zip _________ I am enclosing $ ______ by q Check q Money Order (Payable to James Direct Inc.) Charge my: ___ VISA ___ MasterCard ___ Amex ___ Discover Card No. _________________________________Exp. Date _____ Signature ______________________________________________

DESIGNER Electricity is Trending BY PA U L WESSLUND

Trends and technology give you more control over your electricity. The thermostat on your wall marks a new era in electricity. Whether it’s a dial-style older than you or a digital model installed last month, it’s become more than just a way to set the temperature in your home. That familiar gadget is now a gateway to a world where consumers have more say over their electric service. You might call it designer electricity. New technology, new regulations and new ways of thinking are reshaping the utility industry. These days, consumers can regulate the temperature in their home more precisely. They can even generate their own electricity with rooftop solar panels and sell the excess power back to their utility. This new world started taking shape in the 1990s, says Andrew Cotter, a program manager for the Business and Technology Strategies Group of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Cutting costs and raising reliability for sensitive electronic equipment was top of mind. Companies were willing to pay extra for electric service that wouldn’t blink off for even a fraction of a second. Other companies didn’t need such high reliability, and looked for ways to pay less in return for occasional power interruptions. “This is a trend that’s been going on for a long time,” says Cotter. “It’s just starting in homes.” That little thermostat, he says, “can be the entry point for a lot of people to take advantage of smart-home technology and be more energy efficient.” A new programmable thermostat can be set to avoid heating and cooling when you’re not home, or even set separate temperatures for rooms you don’t use often. 22

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

JANUARY 2018

Efficiency makes a difference.

And that’s just the beginning of ways consumers are making more of their own energy decisions. Highly efficient LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs can be controlled from your smart phone. Washers and dryers sense how much water and heat needs to be used to clean and dry your clothes. All that efficiency makes a difference. Americans used about 2 percent less electricity in the past three years according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA). EIA expects that trend to continue for at least the next couple of years. “Efficient technologies really make a big difference,” says Cotter. While efficiency saves energy dollars, the story of battery storage shows the bigger picture of how consumers are putting utility decisionmaking into their own hands. The story began with homeowners using portable, motorized generators to power refrigerators and other crucial appliances during extended electric outages. Then battery technology improved, driven by the demand for smaller and stronger chargers for smartphones and other electronics. Battery companies thought their new and improved product could grab part of the portable generator market. Two years ago, Tesla, the high-end electric car company, announced a battery designed to look attractive enough to hang on your wall and provide backup power. Other companies followed. In addition to promising relief from power outages, Tesla promoted its battery to the growing renewable energy market. Homeowners installing solar panels on their roofs ran into a problem— they generated a lot of electricity in the middle of

a sunny day, when no one was home to use it, and none at night, when they were home wanting to use electricity. Batteries could store the sunlight.

Co-ops and the empowered consumer

More options for consumers complicates work for electric utilities. Their business model didn’t plan for consumers storing electricity, reversing the flow through power lines as they sell electricity back to the utility, or for the declining sales resulting from energy efficiency. “Utilities are navigating a lot of difficult decisions. They’re not selling as many kilowatt hours,” says NRECA’s Andrew Cotter. “They’re selling technology that reduces sales, so they’re working to come up with a sustainable business model. There are no easy answers.” Electric co-ops are well-suited to working toward those answers, says Cotter. He sees the member-owned, not-for-profit business structure as an advantage in a more consumer-centric industry. He says innovation can be broadly tested in the network made up of more than 900 electric co-ops across the country. He even sees a plus in co-op geography—their service territories tend to be in rural areas. “Co-ops are in a unique position, with long power lines that have to cover a much larger area,” he says. That is leading to use of energy storage technology to run pilot programs testing utility-scale batteries. “It might be really expensive to hook the last person up to the end of 3 or 4 miles of line. Co-ops might be in a more natural position to adopt batteries for use at those remote locations.” No single co-op has to test all the new ideas, says Cotter. The nearly 1,000 co-ops share results from small pilot programs across the country. They’re experimenting on batteries, incorporating home renewable energy projects into the electric grid and making the most effective use of energy-efficient technologies. “Co-ops are developing a more robust understanding of how consumers want to use electricity,” says Cotter. “They are all working together so one co-op doesn’t have to do all the testing. There are no top-down solutions.” While the march toward more choices in electric service might seem inevitable, Cotter sees it as “an uphill battle” because of one key question—is it worth it? “Do you want to spend $10,000 for a photovoltaic system on your roof and another $10,000 for a battery to avoid 45 minutes a year of power

outage?” he asks. And that’s where your old-fashioned thermostat could put you on the cutting edge of the trend toward more customer choice—you can decide you like things the way they are. “People are generally happy with their electric service,” says Cotter. While a lot of hobbyists might want to design their own new ways to manage their electricity, a lot of others “don’t want to pay money for hardware only to save a few dollars a year.” Cotter advises co-op members to check with their local electric co-op before making major power-use decisions. He says that in this new era of more energy options, vendors will be promoting batteries, solar panels and other gizmos. “Talk to your co-op first because they’re the local energy expert,” he says. “Vendors have a goal of selling products. The co-op, as a not-forprofit, member-owned utility, has a different perspective that will be more in your interest.” KCL PAUL WESSLUND writes on cooperative issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

DESIGNER ELECTRICITY Consumers now have more options in how they use electricity, which means big changes for electric utilities. Here are a few of the major trends and developments: Energy Efficiency Efficient lightbulbs and other appliances have actually reduced electricity sales, even as the population increases, the economy improves and we use more electronic devices.

Renewable Energy The use of rooftop solar panels is increasing enough so that some utilities notice a decrease in sales during the sunniest part of the day. Homeowners with solar panels are selling excess electricity back to the utility.

Bigger, Better Batteries Spurred by research into stronger batteries for electric cars and smart phones, you can now buy a battery powerful and pretty enough to hang on your wall as a backup during power outages. Potential buyers should note: That cool gizmo can currently cost up to $10,000! JANUARY 2018

BATTERY

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

C O O K I N G M Y WAY H O M E

Turning to Comfort both in and from the Kitchen

BY R E B E C C A H O WA R D

I think we may spend our whole lives

very small woman. The sinks and counters are low, for a petite size. This is advantageous to a seeking comfort in the familiar. child, taking her first steps in cooking, but for It’s why we cook the old recipes our my mom and dad and the adults my sister and I mothers and grandmothers made, as if to conjure their reassurance as we simmer and stir. became, the low counters and sinks we hopped on became a little bit of an ache if you spent It’s why the kitchen—that soul-filled place of long amounts of time at them, chopping, stirboth memory and potential—can be the most ring or washing dishes. comforting room in the house. It’s why the Still, it was and is a loved place, and when I kitchen where I now live has been evolving to Rebecca Howard go back to my first home, I know where things resemble the one I grew up in. are (mostly). I know this because this is where Though one of the smallest rooms in my they’ve always been. They are in these places parents’ house, the kitchen was always the not because they are in the best spot organizagathering place. If all the chairs where occutionally, designed by some expert of efficiency. pied (which they often were), both children and They are in these places because it’s where adults hopped up to take a seat on the counter my mom was comfortable keeping them (and or the sink. It was a place of laughter, peace likely her mother, too, found comfort in the and joy—and a lot of good food. It was where I nooks and crannies she decided would hold her did some of my first reading, crawling into the things). contents of the cookbooks in the drawers and I know the measuring cups and spoons are going, item by item, through the cupboards, tucked back into a little corner near the vanilla reading ingredient labels on things I wasn’t and other extracts, Higher shelves hold coffee entirely sure about. It was the place where, cups and glasses. I know which shelf will have having had my first awareness that I would die baking powder and which level in a pantry someday, my mother comforted a crying child cupboard carries the flour and sugar. I know a with chocolate milk at the kitchen table. drawer just beneath the counter holds utensils My parents’ kitchen was logistically for eating and a drawer below that is filled with designed for the comfort of someone else, a baking implements and a drawer even further down is loaded with clean dish towels. I know there will be at least three calendars on the wall, with notes and reminders handwritten on them. I know these things because I have attempted to re-create them I keep cans of evaporated milk in my cupboard so I can find comfort in my own kitchen, with marginal in this easy baked custard whenever needed… success. I’ll never have the little double windows above the sink where ff 4 large eggs ff 1 cup water one can watch, hands wrinkling in ff 1/2 cup sugar ff 1-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract soapy dishwater, birds flit and flutter ff 1/2 tsp. salt ff Cinnamon and nutmeg for sprinkling through the Spirea bushes. Though ff 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk I’m trying, I’ll never have that certain spot—as in my mom’s kitchen—that Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk eggs, sugar and salt together in a large mixing bowl. always smells of baking pie. Stir in milk, water and vanilla to combine thoroughly. Divide evenly among four 8-ounce But I can have my chickens, or six 6-ounce ramekins. Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg (or a combination). Place ramekins in a 13- by 9-inch baking pan; fill pan with hot water to 1-inch depth around which carry a familial kitchen thread. cups. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes (or until a knife inserted in the center will come out Roosters and hens have dotted the clean). Remove cups to cool on a wire rack. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Howard kitchen landscape (as likely in many other households, too) for

Baked Custard

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

JANUARY 2018

If all the chairs were occupied (which they often were), both children and adults hopped up to take a seat on the counter or the sink. It was a place of laughter, peace and joy—and a lot of good food.

as long as I’ve remembered (my own paternal grandmother’s chicken salt and pepper shakers now sit on my stove). I have them everywhere in my kitchen, as a call to wake up, get busy, laugh a little (they are funny). My kitchen chicken flock provides kinship, inspiration and comfort in my most favorite room. Most importantly, they remind me of where I come from. I have collected them for years, these birds from all over, and the rule is: they must be functional—well, mostly. Very few are decorative: they are potholders, butter dishes, platters, cream and sugar vessels, coffee pots, a cheese server with “feather” knives as a tail. From my place amid my little kitchen flock, I often turn to the recipes that have comforted for generations. Nothing soothes my soul better than baked custard, conjured simply from milk and eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla, a thin “skin” of cinnamon and nutmeg tops its creamy depths, unmatched in the comfort food category. My mother made the custard in a large, straight-sided stainless steel bowl for her mother, who would consume the entire thing on a Saturday visit. I understand. When I eat it, I want the bowl— like the source for kitchen

memories and potential—to be bottomless…and endless. KCL REBECCA HOWARD grew up in Kansas and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from Kansas State University. Early in her publishing career, she was a newspaper food editor and later worked as a reporter, newspaper page designer, copy editor, proofreader and fact-checker. She has written for the Los Angeles Daily News, the Los Angeles Times and LA Parent Magazine, and currently writes the food blog, “A Woman Sconed.”

JANUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

WHERE

TO S H O P

POLE BARNS FREE CUPOLA A&C By

WITH PREMIUM PACKAGE UPGRADE

BARN BUILDERS, LLC

Specializing in Post Frame Metal Buildings

Serving the Entire State of Kansas

800.889.1096 www.aandcbuilders.com

Would You Like to Reach

128,000 Homes & Businesses?

S U B S C R I B E TO Call Carrie at 785-478-4554 to discuss advertising options in the next monthly issue of Kansas Country Living magazine!

Only $10 a year. Clip this form and mail with your check or money order to: Kansas Electric Cooperatives, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604 NAME

SHARE WITH US! ADDRESS 1

ADDRESS 2

Find out more! View our media kit at http://bit.ly/kcl2018 26

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

JANUARY 2018

CITY

STATE ZIP

Share your events, story ideas, comments, recipes and photos! ffevents@kansascountryliving.com ffletters@kansascountryliving.com ffphotos@kansascountryliving.com ffeditor@kansascountryliving.com ffrecipes@kansascountryliving.com

BARN BUILDERS

Baby Chicks for Sale! Free catalog at

www.cacklehatchery.com Hatching & shipping in Lebanon, Missouri, since 1936

DT Construction Established in 1977  All Workers Insured

FREE ESTIMATES

30x50x10 enclosed 12’ Slider, 1 entry door

Galvalume

40x60x14 enclosed 2 12’ sliders, 1 entry door

Galvalume

$15,000

Colored Metal

$16,400

Colored Metal

$17,000

40x80x16, 2 12x14 framed overhead door openings, fully Colored Metal insulated in R-foil, 1 entry door

$25,200

36x60x16 18’ split sliding door, 15’x60’ lean-to, 1 entry door

Moooving?

40x100x16 enclosed 20’ split slider, 1 entry door

Report your new address to your local electric cooperative.

Colored Metal

$8,300 $9,300

Galvalume

$23,300

Colored Metal

$25,300

40 years in business and thousands of satisfied customers. Call today for a reference near you!

918-527-0117

Acceptance of advertising by Kansas Country Living does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives of the product or services advertised.

Price includes labor and material

www.DTCBarns.com

Like Kansas Country Living

on Facebook

JANUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

SAFETY

Pick the right product for melting ice from sidewalks, driveways K-State experts say too much de-icer can harm landscapes, animals When it comes to de-icing sidewalks

and driveways after a winter storm, not all salts are created equal. Most of the popular de-icing products sold in stores are chloride-based, each containing a different combination of salt. They include: ffsodium chloride, ffpotassium chloride, ffcalcium chloride, and ffmagnesium chloride. Ward Upham, a horticulturist with K-State Research and Extension, said knowing the type of salt you are buying at the store could make a big difference in protecting plants, grass and even the concrete around your home. “The best de-icer for landscapes that is readily available to homeowners is calcium chloride,” Upham said. “It works at lower temperatures than other products and won’t harm plants if excessive amounts are not applied.” Of the four most common choices, calcium chloride has the lowest temperature threshold, working to minus 25 degrees F. “It generates its own heat as it is mixing with water and dividing into calcium and chloride, so it can be effective at those lower temperatures,” said Mary Knapp, a climatologist at Kansas State University. Sodium chloride is commonly known as rock salt and is sometimes mixed with sand or other materials. It is the most widely available and often the least expensive. But Knapp says sodium chloride is only effective at melting ice when temperatures are 12 degrees F or higher. When temperatures get lower than that—as they often do in Kansas—sodium chloride products will not be able to do the job. Magnesium chloride products are effective to 5 degrees F, while potassium chloride salts are the least effective, melting only to 20 degrees F. Regardless of the product, “use just enough de-icer to get the job done,” Upham said. “Excess amounts can harm plants and concrete surfaces, especially rock salt and potassium chloride.” Knapp said all of the chloride-based prod-

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

JANUARY 2018

ucts can be toxic to plants and animals. She said blanketing areas with de-icer is unsafe and won’t be any more effective than smaller amounts. “Chloride is in all of these products and that’s going to have the potential for problems with the environment,” she said. “The calcium chloride and the magnesium chloride tend not to release as much chloride as the sodium chloride and the potassium chloride do. So those two are not as toxic.” Upham noted that calcium magnesium acetate is a newer product that does not contain chloride. The chemicals work together to prevent snow particles from sticking together or to the surface. However, the product is effective only to 20 degrees F. Some homeowners have tried fertilizer to melt away ice, but Knapp says in order for fertilizer to be effective as a de-icer, “you are overdoing the fertilizer rates that you would normally apply to plant material.” “As with any fertilizer, if you apply more than needed, you can have plant toxicity. Even though you might think of it as being safe for plants, the rate you have to apply is actually damaging.” Some natural products—wood chips, ash, sand, bird seed, cat litter and sunflower seeds— aren’t normally effective to melt ice, but can help provide traction on slippery surfaces. Before applying any de-icer, Knapp said homeowners should take the time to remove as much snow and ice as possible before applying a de-icing product. “If you throw a de-icer into the midst of snow, it is going to have very little effect,” she said. “It will melt some, but it just doesn’t have the efficacy it has when it is on ice.” And in some cases, Knapp says it’s OK to let the sun help. “Take a look at what the temperatures are going to be,” she said. “If you get a clear day following the storm, you can have a lot of the work taken care of for you by Mother Nature. Let solar radiation take the work out of your hands.” KCL

JANUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Vegetable & Sausage Mini Protein Quiches

Raspberry Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, JANUARY 2018

Serving up protein at breakfast is a snap with this mini quiche recipe.

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, JANUARY 2018

This protein pancakes recipe combines blended cottage cheese with rolled oats.

Protein Power Huevos Rancheros

KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, JAN U ARY 201 8

This tasty twist on eggs includes avocados and turkey sausage piled high on a tortilla.

KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, JAN U ARY 201 8

egg for a protein-packed start to the day.

Southwest Breakfast Protein Sandwich Add the flavors of the Southwest with an

ff 2 large eggs

ff 1 English muffin ff 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

ff 2 Tbs. red bell pepper, diced

ff 2 Tbs. green bell pepper, diced

Southwest Breakfast Protein Sandwich ff 1/3 cup milk ff 1 slice reduced-sodium deli

ff 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Raspberry Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes ff 1 cup whole fresh raspberries

ff 3/4 cup milk

ff 1-1/2 cups small curd lowfat cottage cheese ff 1 tsp. vanilla extract ff 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

ff powdered sugar, honey, additional

raspberries (optional)

ff 2 large eggs ff 3 Tbs. granulated sugar

In a small bowl, slightly mash raspberries with a fork. Preheat a large skillet or griddle to medium heat (275 degrees). In a large bowl combine cottage cheese, oats, eggs, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla, and mix to combine.

ff 1/4 avocado, sliced

ham, sliced in half

ff 1/4 tsp. black pepper, ground ff 1/2 tsp. chili powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl combine eggs, 1/3 cup milk, pepper, chili powder and cumin, and whisk well. Stir in diced bell peppers.

Transfer mixture to a blender along with 3/4 cup milk, blend until smooth. Gently stir in mashed raspberries. Lightly grease preheated skillet. Pour 1/3 cup of the pancake batter into the skillet. Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles begin to form around the edges. Flip and allow to cook 1-2 more minutes until cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter.

ff 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

Heat medium nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat. Transfer egg mixture to the pan or skillet and stir for 4-5 minutes until eggs are scrambled and fully cooked. Slice English muffin in half so there are two slices. On top of each slice, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cheese, one of the half slices of ham, half of the scrambled egg mixture and half of the sliced avocados.

Top with additional berries, powdered sugar, and honey, if desired. Tip: Puree can be made in advance, covered and refrigerated up to two days. Makes 4 servings.

COURTESY M ILK LI FE

Place sandwiches on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5-8 minutes until cheese is melted and ham is heated through. Makes 2 servings.

COU RT ESY T IF FANY EDWARDS OF CREME DE L A CRUMB

ff 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced

Vegetables and Sausage Mini Protein Quiches

ff 2 scallions, thinly sliced

Protein Power Huevos Rancheros

ff 2 large eggs

ff 1 ounce cooked turkey sausage, crumbled

ff 1/4 cup Swiss cheese, shredded

ff 1 large egg

ff 1/2 cup milk

ff dash pepper

ff 1 Tbs. chunky garden salsa

ff 4 ounces cooked turkey sausage

ff salt (optional)

ff 2 Tbs. milk

ff 1 tsp. olive oil

ff 2 Tbs. nonfat plain Greek yogurt

ff 4 button mushrooms, chopped

ff 1, 6-inch corn tortilla

cheese, shredded, divided

ff 1 Tbs. green onion, sliced ff dash pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a muffin tin (6 cavities) with non-stick spray; set aside.

COURTESY EM ILY CARUSO OF JELLY TOAST

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until eggs are set. Allow quiches to cool slightly before removing from pan. Makes 2 servings (3 quiches per serving).

Divide sausage and vegetables between 6 prepared muffin tins. Pour egg mixture over fillings, dividing between the 6 muffin cavities. Sprinkle with cheese.

Place a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add turkey sausage and cook until cooked through; break sausage into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Remove turkey from pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Wipe out pan. Add olive oil, mushrooms, red peppers and scallions. Sauté until vegetables have released their liquids. Drain veggies and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Season with salt (optional) and pepper to taste; set aside.

ff salt (optional) ff hot sauce (optional)

ff 2 Tbs. reduced-fat pepper jack ff 1 tsp. olive oil ff 1/4 avocado, sliced

In a bowl, whisk together egg and milk. Season with salt (optional) and pepper to taste; set aside. Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add tortilla to pan and heat for 10 seconds. Flip tortilla and heat on other side for 10 seconds and remove to a plate. Heat olive oil in pan. Add egg mixture and cheese. Cook eggs over medium low heat, stirring gently with a spatula until cooked through, but still creamy. Remove from heat. Top heated tortilla with turkey sausage, avocado, scrambled egg, salsa, Greek yogurt, green onion and optional dollop of hot sauce. Makes 1 serving.

COURTESY EMILY CARUSO OF JELLY TOAST

JANUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FDA Registered Hearing Aid

45-DAY

FREEL

ONLY $299

TRIA

✔ Buy direct from manufacturer ✔ 100% Risk-FREE 45-day home trial ✔ FREE shipping ✔ Payment plans available ✔ Licensed professionals

• Hearing aids by mail for 38 years • Over 750,000 satisfied customers

The Apollo-6200 is the perfect FDA registered digital hearing aid if you want the BEST technology for the BEST price. American Made electronics give you advanced technology in a durable, easy to maintain hearing aid. Includes four channel compression for crisp clear sound and feedback cancellation that virtually eliminates squeal. Discreet slim-tube design gives you the most natural sound with total comfort.

STE EGI RE

The typical hearing aid costs at least $2,000 but your price is no where near that with this special offer! Try the Apollo-6200 with NO MONEY DOWN completely Risk-FREE for 45 days in the comfort of your own home and see if it’s everything we’ve promised. Call today: 1-888-847-1189 and mention promo code 94-435.

PER AID

STE EGI RE

High-quality American Made electronics

Advanced technology

“Works very well. I am hearing sounds I haven’t heard for a long time. I am able to understand people when they talk to me.” L.C. – Wichita, KS “It is small, easy to use and it works. I can hear the radio and TV now.” T.T. – Bern, KS

●

100% Digital

Try our Apollo-6200 hearing aid risk-free for 45 days. If you like it then pay only $299 per hearing aid! By phone (Mon-Fri • 8 am - 5 pm Central Time)

1-888-847-1189

Offer expires: 2/28/18

Promo code: 94-435

Order online

Since 1979 Professional and affordable hearing help, for life!

45-DAY RISK-FREE HOME TRIAL

A+ Rating Better Business Bureau

www.HearingHelpExpress.com/94435 Hearing Help Express • 1714 Sycamore Rd, PO Box 586 • DeKalb, IL 60115 © Hearing Help Express®, Inc.

Licensed hearing aid dispensers on staff

100%

Satisfaction

GUARANTEED

LIMITE D 1 YEAR WARRANTY

PROTECTION

ANTEED GUAR

“I get my power from my co-op so I can put my energy into waking up the neighborhood. Co-op members aren’t just customers, they’re family, working together to create a diﬀerent kind of energy network, one that puts members ﬁrst.” Touchstone Energy Coopera�ves. Your source of power. And informa�on.

Delivering Energy for Life