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CooperaN
COOPERATIVE
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News
Wisconsin
ENERGY Cooperative
contents January 2021
News
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News BRIEFS
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Co-ops honor the industry’s best.
12 15 28 30
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Less is MORE
Change the way we think about economic recovery.
Complete one last holiday task.
Q&A
This new year, organize your energy.
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20
On the
COVER
Readers share winter fun in photo contest.
Recipes
Find the soup for you.
24
Wisconsin
FAVORITES
Animal tracking tells wildlife stories.
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CEO
Message Focus on the future.
MY CO-OP
Find out what’s happening at your local electric cooperative.
CLASSIFIEDS
Buy, sell, and trade with readers from across Wisconsin.
KIDS & CRITTERS
Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.
January 2021
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LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR One last holiday task
Before you pack up the ornaments, decorations, and every last reminder of the holiday season, consider Dana Kelroy, Editor which of your cookie recipes were a big hit this year. Did Aunt Meg rave about your cutout cookies? Did that new truffles recipe knock everyone’s socks off? Did grandma’s melt-away recipe bring back happy memories that are too good not to share? Share them! Send us your favorite holiday treat recipe, and if we use your recipe on pages 20-21 of our December 2021 issue, you’ll receive a Kwik Trip gift card. Readers have until this summer (August 1) to submit recipes, but why not send them in now, while they are still out, covered in a little flour, and handy? My colleagues and I plan to divvy up the submitted recipes later this summer, bake up the best of them, and rate our favorites to include for the next holiday season. Email recipes to jennifer@weca. coop with “Holiday Cookie Contest” in the subject line. You can also enter by mail: Holiday Cookie Contest WECA 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680 Madison, WI 53703
January 2021 Vol. 81 No. 7 The Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News (Formerly Wisconsin R.E.C. News) has been published monthly and distributed since July 1940 to members of Wisconsin’s non-profit, consumer-owned rural electric cooperatives. It is available to non-members for $13 per year or $35 for three years. Members pay $6.93 per year. Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Steve Freese, president & CEO. USPS number: 688-480. Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Periodicals postage paid at Pontiac, Ill. Send correspondence to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Phone (608) 467-4650. Web site: www.wecnmagazine.com. Co-op Members: Please send address changes to your local electric co-op. Contact information can be found on page 18.
Our cover photo was submitted in last year’s Winter Recreation Photo Contest by Jean Allen, a member of Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative. Jean and her daughter-in-law tracked down some winter fun on snowshoes on a beautiful day. See page 14 for more submissions and for inspiration to get out and enjoy this Wisconsin winter.
Steve Freese Dana Kelroy Mary Erickson Julie Lund Ann Bailey Geri Miller Jennifer Taylor
WECA president & CEO editor associate editor contributing writer graphic designer advertising consultant editorial assistant
For advertising opportunities please email ads@weca.coop. The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. We reserve the right to refuse advertisers. Please recycle
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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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NEWS BRIEFS PAUDLER, PETERSEN HONORED WITH 2020 ACE AWARDS The Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) announced two recipients of the 2020 Ally of Cooperative Electrification (ACE) award. David Paudler, longtime electric cooperative leader serving on the boards of both Riverland Energy Cooperative and WECA, was selected for his outstanding contributions to the electric cooperative industry. In nominating Paudler for the ACE Award, Riverland Energy Cooperative General Manager Jerry Sorenson wrote, “To best describe Dave Paudler, I would say he is quietly fierce and has a work ethic that is second to none…His dedication to applying the cooperative principles is demonstrated in everything he does as a local and statewide director and in his national level representation.”
Paudler served on the Riverland Coop board for 11 years, including three as board president. He also served for two terms on the WECA board, including four years as chair. He has also held numerous local leadership positions. WECA also presented the ACE award to Sheldon Petersen, who has served as CEO of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) since 1995. During his tenure, CFC’s loan portfolio grew from about $7 billion to nearly $27 billion, he created an organizational culture focused on member service and a commitment to excellence, and he expanded CFC offerings to help co-ops adapt to a rapidly changing electric utility industry. According to Richland Electric Cooperative CEO/General Manager Shannon Clark, Petersen’s contributions in Wisconsin have been “truly immeasurable.” Petersen, 67, is planning to retire in 2021.
WECA’S TIM CLAY AWARDED 2020 POTTHAST AWARD
Tim Clay, WECA vice president of operations, environmental and regulatory services, has been selected as the winner of the 2020 Herman C. Potthast Award, which recognizes outstanding service, dedication, leadership, and cooperation among electric cooperatives, with a focus on safety. A committee from Job Training & Safety (JT&S) calls for nominees and selects the winner. Clay is the first representative to be recognized from WECA since 1989. Ben Bella, safety & compliance coordinator–shared services, Eau Claire, Jackson, Oakdale, Riverland Electric Cooperatives, submitted the nomination saying, “Tim Clay is the epitome of what this award looks to acknowledge and I believe his contributions frequently go unrecognized and can at times be under-appreciated – as he has set a standard of exceptional customer service, dedication, professionalism and technical understanding within and outside the scope of his job and responsibilities.” Clay has served Wisconsin electric cooperatives for 24 years, first working as a compliance specialist beginning in 1996. Before that he held positions as a public health officer and field chemist with an environmental firm.
“KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON” SPECIALTY PLATES NOW AVAILABLE
New specialty license plates recognizing all of the state’s electric utility workers are now available. As of December 7, anyone can order the “Keeping the Lights On” plates for a one-time fee of $15, to display on most cars, trucks, and campers. Personalized specialty plates are an additional $15. Linda McAley launched the effort to create the specialty plate after serving 45 years with Clark Electric Cooperative. Over the past year, she has worked with other volunteers to raise the design fee of $15,500 and gather more then 500 signatures. To order, go to wisconsindot.gov and fill out the application. 6
EAU CLAIRE ENERGY CO-OP WINS LEIFER AWARD For the fifth consecutive year, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative (ECEC) has earned the N.F. Leifer Memorial Journalism Award, which recognizes exemplary work in producing local content for members in the Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News. The judges noted that overall, Eau Claire’s stories from the 2019-20 judging cycle were “well written and informative.” They also scored high for excellence in photos, and the combinations of relevant co-op news, information, and features. Mary Kay Brevig, a recognized leader in co-op communications, retired from her position as Eau Claire Energy’s manager of marketing, communications, and public relations in April. Monica Obrycki, Eau Claire’s chief administrative officer, has served as local editor since May. “I would like to congratulate both Mary Kay and Monica for their leadership and excellence in communications, which led to another win for Eau Claire Energy Cooperative,” said Dana Kelroy, editor of Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News. “The finalists in this year’s competition were all very close, and that is thanks to the high bar that is set by Eau Claire and our communicators across the state.”
CLIMATE CHANGE TASK FORCE RELEASES REPORT, RECOMMENDATIONS
The Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change released a report this week, detailing more than 50 recommendations on ways the state can work to combat climate change.” The recommendations call for policy changes and executive actions among Wisconsin’s state agencies. The recommendations also call for statewide plans to make communities resilient to climate risks and flooding, as well as a statewide electric transportation plan. The report suggests the state set an aggressive goal of 100 percent clean energy for state operations in the next five years, and set a target for utilities specifically to cut net carbon emissions at least 60 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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1
FOCUS J
anuary is typically the time of year we focus on the future, and this year, perhaps more than ever, I am happy to leave 2020 behind. We finally have the availability of a coronavirus vaccine on the horizon. I know you will all do your research and make the best choice for you and your family. Having experienced the illness and loss related to the pandemic among my own loved ones, I look forward to doing whatever I can to help put this pandemic behind us. With the new year comes some big changes at the federal level that will affect the energy industry as a whole, and efforts to supply safe, reliable, and affordable electricity, while protecting the planet for future generations. President-elect Joe Biden and running mate Kamala Harris have an aggressive climate-change agenda. Showing he is serious about his campaign promises, Biden has appointed longtime senator and Steve Freese former secretary of state John Kerry to serve President and CEO as climate envoy for national security. Kerry was an early advocate of the Paris climate accord, and this new position in the federal government marks the first time that the National Security Council will include an official dedicated to climate change. It will be interesting to watch the interaction and decisionmaking coming out of this side of the federal government. Other major appointments include former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as the secretary of the Department of Energy, and Michael Regan as the Environmental Protection Agency administrator. Granholm was a two-term governor and prior to her tenure as governor, Granholm was elected to serve as the attorney general of Michigan. Regan is the current secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality where he created an Environmental Justice and Equity Board. He has
ON THE
FUTURE
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served at the EPA under both Democratic and Republican presidents. Biden also picked Brenda Mallory to chair the Council on Environmental Quality. She is the current director of regulatory policy at the Southern Environmental Law Center and formerly worked in the Obama administration. This year there will be a clear change in direction as it relates to domestic energy policy, and our job will be to keep you informed on how the proposed policies will affect you. Just how aggressive the new administration will be on climate change hinges on a couple of key senate races in Georgia this month. If both incumbent Republican senators are defeated, Democrats will control the House and the executive office, and have a 50-50 tie in the Senate. Since the tiebreaker falls to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, in this scenario, Democrats have a clear path to make major changes. If Republicans maintain control of the Senate, we still expect moderate bi-partisan reforms that will affect the electric cooperative industry. We will continue to keep you posted on all the happenings in Washington, D.C. On the state front, we will continue to see divided government with a Democratic governor and Republican legislature, and we will continue to work with both of them. If this pandemic has made anything glaringly apparent, it is the need for broadband in all areas of rural Wisconsin. We are working with lawmakers on legislation that will help clear the way for better service in rural areas through the use of existing easements. We will also keep you updated on our progress at the statehouse and look forward to working with all electric cooperative members to share stories on the dire need for broadband expansion. All in all we have an exciting year ahead, and we look forward to serving you.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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NEED HELP KEEPING YOUR HOME WARM THIS WINTER?
CALL 1-866-HEATWIS
I
n response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Department of Administration has adjusted the eligibility requirements for residents who are seeking heating and electric assistance through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). Eligibility is now based on the household’s previous month of income, rather than the former requirement of the previous three months of income, to ensure those who need assistance receive it more quickly.
WHEAP is a one-time benefit payment per season providing assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations. Operating with federal and state funding, the program provides assistance to households to help lower the burden incurred with monthly energy costs. Most types of fuel are eligible to receive assistance. Whether you use wood, propane, natural gas, electricity, or fuel oil to heat your home, energy assistance is available if you qualify.
How to Apply Your household may be eligible for WHEAP services based on several factors, including your household’s size, income, and energy costs. If the gross income for your household is less than the amount shown on the chart at right, you might be eligible to receive assistance. Households must complete a Home Energy Plus application through the local WHEAP agency. For more information on WHEAP and how to
apply for assistance, please call 1-866-HEATWIS (432-8947), or visit the “Where to Apply” tab on www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov to find your local energy assistance agency.
INCOME GUIDELINES FOR THE 2020–2021 HOME ENERGY PLUS PROGRAM YEAR 60 PERCENT OF STATE MEDIAN INCOME GUIDELINES HOUSEHOLD SIZE
ONE MONTH INCOME
ANNUAL INCOME
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
2,490.08 $ 3,256.33 $ 4,022.50 $ 4,788.67 $ 5,554.83 $ 6,321.00 $ 6,464.67 $ 6,608.33
$29,881 $39,076 $48,270 $57,464 $66,658 $75,852 $77,576 $79,300 January 2021
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12/18/20 10:46 AM
LESS IS M RE THE PERSPECTIVE OF A COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER REFLECTS A DIFFERENT WAY TO THINK ABOUT ECONOMIC RECOVERY
A
t 94 years young, Rowetta Freese’s memory is not as good as it once was, but she remembers the day when, as a 5-yearold girl growing up near Henryetta, Oklahoma, she was playing in the yard of her family’s sparse home with her twin sister. A black car came racing down the road and screeched to halt in front of the ramshackle home she shared with her parents and nine siblings. A well-dressed man hopped out, asked the girls which way to go to get to Henryetta, then tossed them a bag of money and shouted a plea that when the pursuing sheriff arrives, they point him in opposite direction. So they did. Turns out that welldressed man was Pretty Boy Floyd, hot off of a bank robbery, or so the story goes. It’s the kind of tall tale that family folklore is made of, but if true, the notorious outlaw lived up to his Robin Hood reputation in sharing the wealth with those less fortunate. Floyd is alleged to have burned loan documents during robberies to free poor people of their debt. Rowetta’s family didn’t have much debt, but they had a whole lot of poor. “I had one dress. One cotton dress,” Rowetta recalls of her childhood. “Every day I would come home from school and wash it and get it ready to wear again the next day.” Rowetta’s father worked overnights in the nearby Blackstone Coal Mine to support his family, who all helped out
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to keep food on the table. As a child, Rowetta picked strawberries for three cents a quart, but even with all hands on deck, there was no money left. They never bought new clothes or toys at the store, and they grew much of their own food. In spite of the financial difficulties, Rowetta remembers her childhood as a happy one. It’s a world away from 2021 Wisconsin, where many families are faced with making money-saving sacrifices like they have never had to make before. “Save from the top,” Rowetta recalls her father teaching her as a child, and shares it now as her best advice for anyone trying to work their way toward a better future, which she knows a lot about. “Save from the top,” she says, means put money in savings, and pay your bills before you spend on
anything you don’t need. It’s a practice she and her husband followed, which eventually allowed them to buy a family farm in Grant County, Wisconsin, in cash. In 1958, they became members of the Grant Electric Cooperative, now Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative, and powered up the farm for the first time. They raised their family in southern Grant County (which for the record includes son Stephen, who currently serves as president and CEO of the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association). She also worked for 11 years slicing bacon at the Dubuque Packing Company, putting away whatever she could. “I guess I’m a saver,” Rowetta says with a smile. Economists see a silver lining in the struggle brought on by the pandemic, in that everyone HAD to learn
Rowetta Freese wears her one cotton dress. Pictured right is her childhood home.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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to live a little differently. Amid the stress, supply-chain shortages, and stay-at-home orders, we learned that everything we had to have a year ago, might not be as important today. This forced compliance helps to prompt a transition to a more “circular economy,” which means spend less, reuse more. Waste less, save more. It’s an approach some researchers are considering on a global scale as the potential key to economic recovery, not just for families, but businesses and industry as well. “Given that many business models have been disrupted anyway, why not use this as a chance to re-build with a circular economy business framework in mind?” says Anne Terlaak, associate professor at the UW-Madison School of Business. “In a way, COVID has provided an opportunity to break out of a trajectory that previously was difficult to depart from.” Professor Steven Deller, UW-Madison Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, says another potential positive for rural Wisconsin is that the future economic impact from the pandemic will be more about where we live and work than what we do, since the pandemic has opened up the world of work-from-home. “This is why so many Wisconsin communities are looking at ‘place making’ as a development strategy: Make our community as attractive to people as possible, get people to move into our community, then economic growth and development will follow,” Deller says.
Climate change was not something that coal-miner’s daughter thought much about back in Oklahoma so many decades ago, when they did homework using “coal oil lights” and looked forward to winter because “when it got cold we got to have shoes.” Growing up with so little, today Rowetta feels she has a lot. “I love my family,” she explains. When asked if she could wish for one thing, anything she wanted, she replied, “To stay healthy.” Particularly for the Xbox, Nike Air, Lululemon, iPhoneobsessed kids of today, a transition to a “less is more” approach at an organic-level circular economy may seem unrealistic, and far-fetched. Kind of like that Pretty Boy Floyd story. Until you consider this. Rowetta was born near Henryetta, Oklahoma, in 1926. Floyd was well into his life of crime by then, a wanted man, facing many charges in many states. In 1930 he was actually arrested and charged following a bank robbery in Ohio and sentenced to 12 to 15 years in prison. But he escaped. In November of 1931, Floyd’s gang was suspected of robbing the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Boley, Oklahoma. Boley is 30 miles from Henryetta. Rowetta’s childhood home falls in between the two towns. She was 5 years old at the time. Maybe it isn’t so far-fetched after all.—Julie Lund
Opportunity for Co-ops
That’s a concept Zach Mannheimer of McClure Engineering Company in Iowa has been behind for years. Speaking at the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association meeting in November 2019, he urged co-op leaders to seize opportunities to help grow rural communities. “Innovation is rural, and now is the time,” he said. Broadband expansion is key, and with that, rural areas have a wealth of resources to attract more people and build their economy, even post-pandemic. “You can lead the charge, because you’ve done it before,” Mannheimer said, speaking of the rural electrification, fueled by co-ops. “You did this in 1936. Let’s do it again.”
Circular Economy = Green
Beyond communities and families, the global benefit of a circular economy is very green, according to researchers and environmentalists, since moving away from the “buy-use-throw” mentality not only saves money, but also reduces our carbon footprint.
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THIS YEAR, ORGANIZE YOUR ENERGY Dear Pat and Brad:
Last year brought financial hardships, and with a new year ahead, I’m looking for new ways to save money. I know there are things I can do to save energy at home and lower my monthly bills. Can you share a few ideas on how to start the year off right by saving energy? – Amy Dear Amy: You bet! Here are a few simple tips to help you get organized and start an achievable path to saving energy. First, we’ll take a look at three important steps when considering energy efficiency projects: information gathering, planning, and taking action.
START BY GATHERING INFORMATION.
Begin by reviewing your 2020 energy bills. Knowing how and when you use energy can help you decide how ambitious your plan should be. This is much easier to determine if your electric co-op offers SmartHub, a free, online bill-paying service that also helps you monitor your energy consumption by tracking your usage. If your co-op offers SmartHub we encourage you to take advantage of it. If you have questions about your past bills or energy use, give your electric co-op a call. They are available to help you understand your energy bills. Next, visit your electric co-op’s website to see if they offer additional assistance, like rebates for home-improvement measures that increase your home’s energy efficiency, free energy audits, special rates or incentives, or other resources such as Focus on Energy. Finally, the most important step is to schedule an energy audit, or conduct an online energy audit. (Remember: your electric co-op may offer free audits.) If you plan to live in your home for many years to come, hiring an energy auditor may be the best investment you can make. An energy auditor can tell you which energy efficiency actions will save you the most money or provide the biggest improvement in comfort.
If you’re looking for a faster, DIY (socially distanced) method, try an online energy audit like energystar.gov’s Home Energy Yardstick.
DEVELOP A PLAN.
Now that you’ve gathered the information you need, you can develop a plan. It can be simple or more comprehensive. If your priority is cutting energy costs, you can select the measure that will deliver the most savings. Maybe you’re already planning to do work on your home, such as roofing or renovating, and you can incorporate energy efficiency strategies into that project. To complete your plan, you’ll likely need to check with local contractors or suppliers about costs.
TAKE ACTION.
Now that your planning is done, it’s time to take action. If you’re tackling any major energy efficiency projects that require a contractor, remember to do your research and hire a licensed, reputable professional. In addition to energy efficiency projects and upgrades, there are other ways you can get organized to save energy:
• Replace filters regularly. A clean filter can improve the performance of your heating and cooling system, and reduce the electricity needed to pump air through your ductwork. Replace the filter now if it’s been a while, then set a reminder on your phone, online calendar, or paper calendar for the next replacement. Filters should be replaced every month if you’re using an inexpensive filter, or every three months if you’re using a higher-quality filter. A better filter will do a better job and last longer. • Program your thermostat. Heating and cooling your home account for the most energy use, so setting your thermostat to match your lifestyle can make a major difference. If you don’t have a programmable or smart thermostat, get in the habit of manually adjusting your thermostat throughout the day or setting it to the most energy efficient setting when you’re away. • Label the circuits in your breaker box. It may not reduce your energy use, but it’s an easy way to get organized and will save a lot of headaches down the line! We hope by taking a little time to complete these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a more energy efficient 2021!
A dirty filter can drive up your energy costs. Compare the new filter (left) to the 90-day old filter (right).
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Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency write on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. For additional energy tips and information on Collaborative Efficiency visit: www.collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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10-point buck emblazoned on back features Al Agnew’s art in a custom camouflage design
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Soup FOR YOU Calypso Beef Soup
Recipe and image courtesy of the Wisconsin Beef Council. 1-1/2 pounds ground beef (93% or leaner) 1 cup sweet potato, peeled and diced 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped 1 tsp curry powder 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour 2 cups water or beef broth 1 (15-1/2 oz) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained 1 (13-1/2 oz) can light unsweetened coconut milk 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach leaves 3 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme Salt and ground black pepper Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef; cook 8–10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet with slotted spoon. Pour off drippings in pan; add sweet potato, onion, bell pepper, and curry powder. Cook 4–5 minutes or until onion and pepper are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour; cook and stir 1 minute. Return beef to skillet. Stir in water/broth, black-eyed peas, and coconut milk; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5–8 minutes or until sweet potato is tender. Stir in spinach and thyme. Cook 1 minute or until spinach wilts. Season with salt and black pepper, as desired. Cook’s Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness. 50 minutes; serves 6
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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
WECN Jan21Recipes.indd 2
12/11/20 3:15 PM
Shrimp and Chicken Sausage Gumbo
Recipe and image by Lori Rice for the National Onion Association. Gumbo makes a warm, filling meal and our version is no exception. We served this gumbo over white rice, but brown rice makes a delicious whole grain option. You can also pass on the grains and eat it like a stew on its own.. 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 large yellow onion, chopped 2 large stalks celery, chopped 1 medium green bell pepper, cored and chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1-1/2 tsp fine sea salt 1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano 1/4 tsp ground black pepper 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper 2 Tbsp unsalted butter 1/4 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour 1 cup unsalted chicken stock 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 lb thawed jumbo shrimp, cleaned* 13–16 oz fully cooked smoked chicken sausage, chopped White or brown rice for serving Chopped parsley or celery leaves for garnish
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pot such as a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic and continue to cook, stirring often, for 2 more minutes. Sprinkle in the salt, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir well. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the butter until melted. Add the flour and stir for about 1 minute as the flour and butter form a paste around the vegetables. Slowly pour in the stock and stir well. Increase the heat to medium as you stir. The stock will thicken quickly. Gradually stir in the tomatoes. Increase the heat and bring the gumbo to a simmer. Add the shrimp and cook for 5–7 minutes, until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Add the sausage and cook for 1–2 minutes, until warmed through. Serve the gumbo over rice and sprinkle with parsley or celery leaves before serving. *Cleaned cooked shrimp can be substituted. Thaw before using and add them to the pot at the same time as the sausage. Cook until all ingredients are fully heated. Serves 6.
Creamy Wild Rice & Mushroom Soup Recipe and photo courtesy of Midwest Dairy 2 Tbsp butter 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup) 1 cup white mushrooms, chopped 1/2 cup carrots, diced 3 cups low-fat milk
1/4 cup flour 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth 2 cups cooked wild rice 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded 2 Tbsp fresh Italian parsley, chopped
In a large pot, heat butter over medium heat. Add onion, mushrooms, and carrots; sauté until onions are soft, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, whisk milk and flour over medium heat, stirring frequently until milk starts to boil. Whisk constantly for one minute or until milk thickens. Pour into onion mixture and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in chicken broth and cooked rice; cook for 10–15 minutes (or until carrots are soft.) Ladle into bowls and top each serving with 2 tablespoons cheese and 1 teaspoon parsley. Serves 6.
Curried Caramelized Onion Apple Soup Recipe and image provided by the National Onion Association. Image by Lori Rice and THP. 2 Tbsp unsalted butter 1 Tbsp olive oil 2 lbs yellow onions, thinly sliced 3 red-skinned apples (such as Royal Gala), peeled, cored, and chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 Tbsp ginger, minced 1 Tbsp curry powder 1/2 cup apple cider 3-1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup chopped potato 1 cup coconut milk 3/4 tsp salt Yogurt (optional) Garnish (optional, see note)
In a large, heavy-bottom saucepan, melt butter with oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized, about 30–35 minutes. Add apples, garlic, ginger, and curry powder; cook for 2–3 minutes. Add apple cider to deglaze the pan; increase heat to high until reduced by half. Add broth and potato; bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in coconut milk and salt; simmer for 5 minutes. Purée soup with an immersion blender until it’s smooth. Alternatively, a blender can be used to purée the soup in batches. Return soup to the pot and simmer until warmed through before serving. Note: Reserve some caramelized onion and apple matchsticks for garnish. Ladle soup into bowls and top with a drizzle of yogurt, caramelized onion pieces, and apple matchsticks. Makes 8 cups.
January 2021
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RECIPE EXCHANGE Submit your favorite recipes to be featured on our reader recipe page. Email to jennifer@weca.coop. For bonus recipes, go to http://wecnmagazine.com/recipes/.
Really Good Goulash Karen Vich, Onalaska
1 lb elbow macaroni, large noodles, cooked 1-1/2 lbs ground beef or venison 2 (10.75 oz) cans tomato soup 1/2 cup onion, chopped Salt and pepper, to taste 2 tsp mustard
Cook pasta; drain. Fry ground beef or venison; add onion, salt, pepper, soup, and mustard to the meat. Mix well. Add cooked pasta and mix again.
Peppy Meatballs
Shirley Lewis, Madison
1 (28 oz) jar spaghetti sauce, divided 1 egg 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs 1 medium onion, chopped 1/2 cup sweet red pepper, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1 lb ground beef
In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce, egg, bread crumbs, onion, red pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place in a single layer in an ungreased 15-x10-inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, turning once; drain. Transfer to a large saucepan; add remaining spaghetti sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
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22
Meatballs
Shirley Lewis, Madison May be used with spaghetti or in a sub.
4 eggs, slightly beaten 2 cups soft bread cubes (1/4-inch pieces) 1-1/2 cups milk 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tbsp salt 1/2 cup pepper 3 lbs ground beef 2 Tbsp canola oil
In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-1/2-inch balls. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs in batches until no longer pink; drain. Add these to spaghetti sauce and simmer for about 1/2 hour.
Hamburger Soup Diane De Moe, Colfax
1 lb hamburger 1/2 onion, chopped Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste 2 (14.5 oz) cans beef broth 2 (14.5 oz) cans Italian-style stewed tomatoes 1 (15 oz) can mixed vegetables 1/2 cup uncooked noodles (your preference)
Brown the hamburger with the onion, salt, and pepper. Drain fat. Add all ingredients together, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes; serve.
Fruit Dip
C.S. Odeen, Black River Falls
8 oz pkg cream cheese or Neufchatel 1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow cream
Blend well and serve with fruit. To achieve a more fluffy dip with more air incorporated; using a hand mixer is recommended. Optional add-ins: lemon or orange zest, 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar, or a little half-and-half if you prefer a slightly thinner dip. Also consider adding chopped mint (if you are serving it with strawberries) or adding a few tablespoons of peanut butter.
Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake Deana Block, Black River Falls
1 pkg chocolate cake mix 1-2 cups sauerkraut, rinsed and drained Follow cake mix directions, then add sauerkraut, mixing well. Bake as directed and frost as desired.
An online reader is looking for any venison recipes or different types of jerky recipes. Send to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, What’s Cooking? 222 West Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703-2719 or contact us via our website, www.wecnmagazine.com. Thanks!
Farmhouse Barbecue Muffins Joyce Grochowski, Arkansaw
1 lb hamburger 3/4 cup ketchup 3 Tbsp brown sugar 1 Tbsp vinegar 1/2 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp dry mustard 1 (10 oz) tube buttermilk biscuits 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded Sour cream (optional garnish)
Brown hamburger and drain fat. Add ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, chili powder, and dry mustard. Mix well. Grease cups of muffin pan. Separate dough biscuits; flatten to 5-inch circles. Press each circle into the bottom and sides of cups. Divide meat mixture among the biscuit-lined muffin cups (about 1/4 cup each). Sprinkle tops with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes before removing from muffin pan and serving. Garnish with sour cream.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
WECN Jan21ReaderRecipes.indd 1
12/11/20 3:27 PM
When you’re part of a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, your voice is heard, loud and clear. Because you’re more than a customer, you’re a member. And what’s more powerful than that? To learn more about the power of the cooperative difference, visit TouchstoneEnergy.com
YOUR SOURCE OF POWER. AND INFORMATION.
Winning recipes will appear in our DECEMBER 2021 recipe spread. Entries must be received by August 1, 2021 to be eligible. Email recipes to jennifer@weca.coop with “Holiday Cookie Contest” in the subject line, or mail to Holiday Cookie Contest, WECA, 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703
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January 2021
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STORIES IN THE SNOW ANIMAL TRACKING IS A FUN WAY TO LEARN ABOUT WISCONSIN WILDLIFE
T
hese chilly, snowy days of January are great for reading. You can head to your public library, but books aren’t the only places where you’ll find an interesting story this time of year. Plenty of tales are told outside in the snow, written by the creatures who inhabit Wisconsin’s woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. To enjoy their stories, you just need to understand the language that emerges from their tracks. The ancient art of animal tracking—practiced all over the world for crucial purposes such as hunting or detecting danger—is also simply a fun way for the whole family to learn about Wisconsin’s wildlife and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s especially fun in the wintertime when every snowfall opens up a blank page for creatures to scurry across and leave a new message. Learning to identify the various footprints can make a walk through the snow more interesting; however, just
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as there’s more to a book than a single word, there’s more to animal tracking than a single footprint. “I like to think about tracking as a type of reading,” said Emily Stone, a naturalist at the Cable Natural History Museum, in Bayfield Electric Cooperative’s area. “A single track is like a letter, and then a whole trail of many footprints in a row is the word, and then if you follow it long enough you’ll see a track pattern. And then you have the whole story when you add the habitat and the trail and everything else that’s going on around the tracks.” Animal tracking is one of many different wildlife classes Stone teaches to people of all ages in her role as education director at the museum. She also frequently weaves the topic into her award-winning “Natural Connections” columns, the best of which have been compiled into two published books.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
WisFavJan21.indd 2
12/15/20 10:29 AM
WISCONSIN FAVORITES 1
2
3
1. These bobcat prints show the typical feline foot pattern of four toes offset around a heelpad. 2. This coyote print shows the distinct X shape made between the gap between the two left-side toes and the toe right-side toes. Also note the slight claw mark at the top, which shows up in canine prints but not feline prints. 3. A red fox footprint has similar characteristics as the coyote print, only it’s less defined due to the hair between the toes and footpads, which provides insulation in the winter. (Photos on pages 25, 26, and 27 are courtesy of Emily Stone, Cable Natural History Museum)
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the museum and its on-site programs are currently closed, but animal tracking, fortunately, has a safe and accessible classroom that’s close to home, wherever that may be. As Stone points out, there’s plenty to learn from the animal tracks in your own backyard. Venture a little farther into the trails of your local county or state park and you’ll find even more stories to uncover. “Ski trails are actually a great place to do your tracking because they get groomed after a fresh snowfall. That creates a blank slate and keeps the snow from getting so deep and fluffy that the tracks just disappear,” Stone said. “And animals often use our trails, too, because paths make moving through the woods easier no matter how many legs you have.” Also, animal tracking doesn’t require any special equipment or costly tools. Stone recommends bringing a ruler to
measure the size of footprints and a cell phone or camera so you can take photos. This is especially helpful if you need to do a little more research after your trek to figure out exactly what you found. Other than that, just dress warm and adjust your mindset to detective mode, as Stone said animal tracking is a bit of a guessing game for even the most experienced trackers.
The Toes are Telling
When learning to identify an animal print, Stone suggested a good way to start is by counting the toes. “A lot of the mammals that we think about—the bobcats, and the foxes, coyotes, and wolves—they have four toes just like our dogs do,” she said. Still, there are clear differences in the prints made by the various groups of four-toed creatures. Feline prints, Stone explained, are distinctive for their four
offset toes, shaped in a bit of a C pattern around the heel pad. A feline heel pad is also unique; it has three little dips at the top and three lobes at the bottom. All felines share these characteristics, Stone said, only domestic cat prints are smaller than those of wild cats. Also, because felines have retractable claws to keep them sharp for tree climbing, they won’t leave claw marks with their footprints unless there’s a reason for them to have their claws extended, like if the surface is very slippery. Canines, Stone explained, have four toes, with a very slight closure between the two middle toes and a wider opening between the two toes on the left and the two on the right, forming a distinct X shape across the footprint. Canines will also leave slight claw marks at the tops of their footprints. And while all canine prints will have the telltale X, it’s possible to determine which tracks in the backyard came from your pet dog and which came from a fox or coyote passing through, as wild dogs have a more rectangular print, Stone said, while most house dogs have a rounder print. Members of the weasel family, including fishers, badgers, and otters, have five toes. Birds leave easily identifiable prints as well. Most birds have three toes in front and one in back, although the back toe doesn’t always leave a mark. Wild turkeys leave a three-pointed arrow shape in the snow. Grouse leave small cross-shaped prints that are easily identifiable even in fluffy snow because their feet act as snowshoes and keep them on the surface.
Straddle, Slide, and other Signs
If the snow is too fluffy to clearly identify all the toes, Stone said to look for other identifying characteristics such as the “straddle,” which refers to the space between the left-side footprints and the right-side prints. Felines—both domestic and feral—have very narrow straddles. “There’s almost no differentiation between the right foot and the left foot and where it is from the middle,” Stone pointed out. “If you draw a line down a bobcat trail you’ll hit all of the footJanuary 2021
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prints. It’s mostly a straight line, with just a little bit of offset.” Wild dogs, she added, also have narrow straddles, although most domestic dogs’ straddles are much wider. In other mammals, the track pattern is more telling than the toe count. Hoppers, including cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares, squirrels, and deer mice, have distinctive track patterns due to the way they move. Unlike felines, canines, and deer, all of which carry more of their body weight in front and therefore have larger front feet, hoppers’ bigger hind feet hold the most power. When they leap, Stone explained, they land on their front feet and their hind feet come around the sides to push them off again, putting their larger back footprints in front. The footprints can also reveal where the hoppers live. Squirrels, with their front feet positioned close together, are known as paired front foot hoppers, which means they spend much of their time in trees, Stone explained. Deer mice are also paired front foot hoppers, an indication that they too are excellent tree climbers. Rabbits and hares, on the other hand, are diagonal front foot hoppers, with feet that are offset from each other. This indicates they spend most of their time on the ground. Toe counts aren’t necessary to identify otters, either. The webbing between their five toes may leave a noticeable outline from toe to toe, but otters also make their mark in the snow by sliding across it, with their arms held back along their sides. “They’ll run a few steps to get some momentum and then they’ll flop down on their bellies,” Stone explained. “So their pattern is run, run, run, slide.” Sliding otter marks might very well lead you to water, as otters are more likely to appear near the lakes where they fish and play. However, Stone said they travel widely between lakes so you can still find sliding otter tracks in the woods. “They will slide downhill toward a lake but they can slide level and even uphill,” she said. Other animals that are more easily identified by their track patterns than their toes are the rodents like mice, voles, and shrews. These small mam26
mals, Stone said, are very active in the winter, but because they burrow under the snow to look for seeds, hide from predators, and stay warm, they’re more likely to leave marks of their full body as they tunnel beneath the snow. When the snow is shallow enough for rodents to leave footprints, each type makes its own distinctive marks. Mice have bigger back feet; they tend to hop, so their front and back footprints are close together and their longer tails drag a line in the snow between the footprints. Voles, on the other hand, walk more like a dog, with their rear feet stepping into the tracks of the front feet, leaving diagonal footprints that can look a bit like a tiny human’s. Also, voles’ short tails don’t leave drag marks. Deer trails are also common in backyards and parks. Most Wisconsinites are likely familiar with the heart-shaped pattern of a deer hoof, but there are other signs to look for that tell a greater story. For example, Stone said hooves that are splayed apart in the print are a sign 1
the surface was somewhat slippery. In very deep snow the dewclaws, which are the two toes that appear higher up on a deer’s ankle, might be visible. If the snow is shallow yet there’s still a slight depression from a dewclaw, that may indicate the deer was moving very fast, Stone said.
Behavior Clues These little signs that can tease out extra details make animal tracking more of a detective game. For example, if you see squirrel prints, look to the nearest tree to try to determine if the squirrel was coming or going. Stone explained a squirrel will leave a depression in the snow as it belly flops to the ground from a tree. This sitzmark-like depression will be the first track in a particular pattern as the squirrel shakes off the snow and hops away. On the other hand, a short distance between the track and the tree indicates the squirrel ran toward the tree and began climbing. Track patterns along 1
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1. On firm snow, a mouse leaves a trail of footprints resembling a vine with leaves, with the feet close together and angled out, and the tail dragging a line in the snow between the feet. But in fluffy snow, mice leave a pattern showing their whole bodies tunneling under the snow (right). 2. Voles are related to mice but they leave very different marks, as they walk instead of hop, and they don’t leave a tail drag. The vole that walked this path left his footprints as it tunneled through the snow.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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WISCONSIN FAVORITES
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3 1. The tracks of a ruffed grouse are easy to spot for their distinctive cross shape. 2. Grouse also leave wing marks in the snow when they take off or land. Turkeys sometimes leave wing marks as well, as do some common backyard feeder birds like ravens or chickadees.
a trail or roadway can also show you when an animal began speeding up. In cruising speed, Stone said, an animal’s hind feet will land where the front feet picked up, and as the animal’s speed increases, the hind feet will eventually overtake the front feet. You might also see signs of a gallop in canine or feline tracks, with four footprints registering at once in a slight C shape, then a little gap as all four feet are in the air at once, and then another set of four prints. Additional signs along the trail or roadway, such as broken twigs or footprints of another animal, may offer some clues as to what triggered the sudden burst of speed. Follow the tracks off the trail and you’ll likely find more clues to tell you what an animal might have been doing. Rabbit or hare tracks might lead to an evergreen tree or brush pile where the animal was taking shelter. You might see that the animal has made several runs to the same shelter, creating a scent path for
3. Tracks of hoppers, such as the snowshoe hare that left this trail, are easily identifiable by the large hind feet marks that point in the direction of travel. Follow the tracks for other behavior clues; here, the tracks are leading away from a brush pile where the rabbit was taking shelter. 4. Squirrel tracks are similar to rabbit or hare tracks, with the larger hind feet in front. However, squirrels land with their front fee paired, while rabbits’ front feet are offset. 5. Birds of prey often leave wing marks in the snow when they hunt. This photo shows prints of a squirrel ending abruptly at a pair of wing marks. If you don’t have a ruler on hand to help record the scale of the prints, an object of a measurable size, such as a tube of lip balm or a glove, will do.
easy get-away if a predator is near. You also might find evidence that the animal didn’t make it to shelter. Birds of prey leave wing marks in the snow as they swoop down to capture their food and then beat hard with their wings to launch themselves back into the sky. Tracks can tell you if the predator had a successful hunt; rabbit or hare tracks might end abruptly behind the wing marks of an owl. Study the tracks to see if there are retreating prints overlaid, indicating the animal might have made it back to cover. Clustered tracks of multiple creatures can indicate a variety of behaviors. Stone explained that many animals leave scent marks with urine or scat to mark their territory or maybe leave information for potential mates. Their targeted areas, Stone said, tend to be elevated clumps of dirt or perhaps a small tree because the scent travels farther when it’s deposited up higher. If you spot several different
animal tracks approaching such a spot, it could be a scent mound that’s attracted attention from nearby animals. “They’re just looking at the bulletin board in the neighborhood,” Stone said. That bulletin board is meant for animals, of course, but with a little sleuthing you can learn to read some of it yourself. You might be surprised at the stories you’ll find there.—Mary Erickson The Cable Natural History Museum is located at 13470 County Hwy. M, Cable, WI 54821 (phone: 715-798-3890). It’s currently closed to the public due to COVID-19, but offers multiple online learning resources on its website, cablemuseum.org. January 2021
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CLASSIFIEDS MISCELLANEOUS
COLLECTOR BUYING WAR SOUVENIRS: German, Japanese, U.S. weapons, medals, helmets, daggers, swords, military items. 715-213-4565. WANTED: DEER TAGS, back tags. Trapping, bear, hunting licenses. Otter, bobcat, fisher tags. Old traps. David Schober, W4234 Rock Creek Rd., Loyal, WI 54446. 715-255-9284. USED BILLBOARD VINYLS/TARPS: Possible sizes available: 14x48=$70, 10x36=$37, 10x30=$30. Expired billboard faces, hemmed. Shipping and tax not included in listed price. MUST CALL FOR AVAILABILITY PRIOR TO PICK UP 800-536-7446. Vinyls can also be picked up at Jones Sign, 1711 Scheuring Road, De Pere, WI 54115.
PLANTS & SHRUBS HARDWOOD AND CONIFER SEEDLINGS AND TRANSPLANTS. Thousands available, Oaks, Maples, Highbred Poplar, Hickory, Cherry, Dogwoods, Ninebark, Cranberry, Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Spruce, Pine, Cedar, Food plot and grafted apple trees too, large bareroot shade trees including Autumn Blaze. Check us out on the web at www.paintcreeknursery.com, Facebook, and YouTube also. Paint Creek Nursery, Cadott, WI 715-723-2072. FRUIT, NUT, SHADE, & ORNAMENTAL TREES Available For Spring Planting. Also evergreens & deciduous seedlings and transplants, strawberries, blueberries, asparagus, rhubarb, and much more. For additional info: Call toll free (888) 803-8733 or write to Woodstock Nursery, W6291 State Hwy 95, Neillsville, WI 54456. Also check us out at Wallace-Woodstock.com.
REAL ESTATE
VACATION RENTALS—Chippewa Flowage in Hayward, WI. A private 4-bedroom / 2-bath is available, and also a 3-bedroom / 1-1/2 bath is available. Docks at both locations. Year-round rentals. On snowmobile and ATV trails. Contact Jen at 715-558-2759. VACATION RENTAL. Cape Coral, FL. Beautiful 3 bedroom home on gulf access canal. 10,000lb boat lift. Weekly rental or more. Call Al. 608-295-7433. IRON RIVER, WI. Lovely lake home with fully furnished kitchen, gas fireplace, 2 bedrooms plus sofa sleeper and 1½ bath with steam sauna on Iron Lake. Snowmobile and ATV trails located near property. Weekly or weekend rental options. Contact Kris 715-364-2349. HUNTERS/SNOWMOBILERS/HORSES PARADISE in Marathon County. Beautiful 3-bedroom / 3.5 bathroom home on approximately 60 acres. Trophy whitetails and turkeys abundant. Also great place to raise horses. See photos and all the details of this great piece of property at Zillow. com. 201696 Bentley Rd, Rosholt, WI 54473. This was formerly 2117 Birch Rd, Rosholt, WI. Call Kerry at 715-581-3327.
ADVERTISE WITH US MORE THAN 152,000 MAILBOXES EACH MONTH Reach rural readers ads@weca.coop
Classified ads reach more than 152,000 mailboxes. RATES: For non-members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $25 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $1.25 each. For members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $14 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $.70 each. Count name, address, and phone number as part of ad. Please include zip code. FOR PROOF OF MEMBERSHIP, please include your address label from your copy of the magazine. FREQUENCY DISCOUNTS: 2% discount for 3 months; 5% for 6 months; 10% for 12 months. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the ad is to appear. All classified ads must be paid in advance. There is no agency discount on classifieds. Make check or money order payable to: WECA. Mail to: WECN, Attn. Jennifer, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Ph: 608-467-4638. Email jennifer@ weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads.
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LOOKING FOR A GIFT IDEA? Consider giving a gift subscription to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News! The price is just $13 per year for 12 issues or $35 for three years (36 issues). Include subscriber’s name, address, city, state, Zip Code, and check payable to WECA. Mail to: WECA, 222 W. Washington Ave, Ste. 680, Madison WI 53703
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YOUNG MEMBERS
Kids and Critters January 2021 1
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1. Kendra’s first year raising lambs resulted in two sets of twins. Photo submitted by Brenna O’Connor, a member of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services. 2. Carsyn and Ryland built snow-people that resemble their grandparents. Photo submitted by Grandma Denise Zimmer, from Jump River Electric. 3. One of Rachel’s best friends is her cat, Perdita. Photo submitted by Sharon Anderson, a member of Central Wisconsin Electric. 4. Chelsea, Tanner, and their snowmen pals pose with Bella, wearing her cone of shame. Photo submitted by Tina Gebauer, a member of Taylor Electric.
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Upload photos directly
to the new wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab. Send photos of kids with animals, along with a brief description, to WECN Magazine, 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703. Please include the name of your electric co-op. Photos will be returned. If in good-resolution, electronic format, photos may also be uploaded via wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab. By submitting, sender implies that he/ she has rights to and owns the image, and grants WECN permission to use the image. By submitting, the parent or legal guardian also authorizes us the right to publish the image.
WELCOME BACK TO OUR HIDDEN OBJECT GAME,
“SYMBOL SEARCH” Last month, we hid a symbol—a gingerbread man cookie—in the pages of Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, and we asked you to find it to qualify for a prize. It appears we have some skeptics.
In a drawing of correct answers, Thomas Lee, a member of Dunn Energy Cooperative, was selected to win the prize. Thomas said, “You thought you could really fool us on this month’s issue didn’t you. Well, I’ve found every symbol so far and have yet to win anything. Doesn’t stop me from trying though. The symbol for the month of December 2020 can be found on Page 30, in the purple colored box, in what appears to be the lens of a camera which states underneath, ‘Upload photos directly.’ Now, pick my name and send me my prize!” Done! Now, we challenge you to track down this animal track, just like we encourage readers to do in this month’s Wisconsin Favorites story on page 24. (Hint: The symbol is NOT on pages 24-27). Remember that the symbol can be anywhere and any size. One randomly selected winner will receive a Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News kitchen kit.
GOOD LUCK THOMAS, AND ALL OF OUR OTHER READERS! Enter via the “Symbol Search” link on the homepage of wecnmagazine.com.
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You can also enter by mail: Symbol Search Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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