Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News January 2023 Eau Claire

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January 2023 Vol. 82 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-pro t, consumer-owned rural electric cooperatives. It is available to non-members for $13 per year or $35 for three years. Members pay $6.93 per year.

Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 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 Sun Prairie, Wis.

Send correspondence to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Phone (608) 467-4650.

Web site: www.wecnmagazine.com.

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

Steve Freese WECA president & CEO

Dana Kelroy editor

Mary Erickson associate editor

Julie Lund contributing writer

Ann Bailey graphic designer

Geri Miller advertising consultant

Jennifer Taylor editorial assistant

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

Join us on

Miss Wisconsin/Miss America 2023 promotes clean nuclear power.

Here are four things to know about extending rechargeable battery life.

On the cover: Miss Wisconsin 2022/Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke uses her platform to promote nuclear energy as part of her ideal energy portfolio. Cover photo and image at the top of this page courtesy of Denise Watrous Photography

Former Boy Scout camp gets reinvented as county park. Enjoy cute co-op kids and their critters.

SYMBOL SEARCH

HIDDEN OBJECT GAME

Our December Symbol Search winner is Steven Johnson, a member of Clark Electric Cooperative. He found the kerosene lamp on, “Page 13 in parking lot by storage tanks. Found it on second pass through the issue while sitting with my wife in the hospital after the birth of our 5th child.” (Congrats, Johnson family!)

Now we challenge readers to nd this crown like the one worn by Miss America. You can read more about her in our story on page 10. Remember that the symbol can be anywhere and any size. One randomly selected winner will receive a Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News kitchen kit. One entry per household, please, and provide your permanent home or mailing address with your entry. Entries are due January 16.

Enter via the “Symbol Search” link on the homepage of wecnmagazine.com. You can also enter by mail (don’t forget to include the name of your cooperative):

SYMBOL SEARCH WECA

222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703

GHOST (STORY) HUNTING

Last month, we asked for reader help solving a ghost story mystery. We told you about a children’s book, “Sandy and the Ghost,” with electric co-op ties. With a theme reminiscent of “A Christmas Carol,” this book chronicles the Christmas journey of a little girl named Sandy.

Associate Editor Mary Erickson did a thorough job of sleuthing in her e ort to learn more about the origins of this book. However, we still came up short in our quest for answers. We asked readers if they remembered the book, and we heard from plenty who weren’t familiar with the story but enjoyed reading about it and encouraged our e orts to learn more.

For those who did remember the book, there was a common theme—apprehension. We can admit the cover is a little scary. That was the case for Carol Blaken, member relations manager from Jackson Electric Cooperative. Amy Dominski, a member of Bay eld Electric Cooperative, remembered having the book as a youngster in Rochester, Minnesota. She, too, found the book a little “spooky.”

Margaret Novak, a former member of Price Electric, immediately recognized the cover. She recalls receiving the book at the Youth Leadership Congress in 1970. That was new information for us, and the rst we heard that it was distributed to Youth Congress attendees.

Jackie Fuchs, a former Jump River Electric Cooperative employee, remembers including the book in a giant stocking full of toys that has been a Christmas giveaway tradition at that co-op for years. She also remembered giving out copies of the book if children stopped in the co-op o ce.

Kate Kamke, a member of Oconto Electric Cooperative and librarian at the Oconto Falls Community Library, remembers the book being checked out by library patrons.

And one of our favorite responses—Laurie Sagler remembers winning the book at a Vernon County Dairyland Cooperative Christmas party 48 years ago. She still has the book in a “memories tote.” She’s held onto it all these years because she said she “was so excited because it was the 1st thing I had ever won!”

Please continue to send us your memories of “Sandy and the Ghost.” You can contact us through our website or by emailing mary@weca.coop. To read the full story, go to wecnmagazine.com.

Dana Kelroy Editor

WECA Honors 2022 Award Winners

The Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) presented the following awards at the 2022 annual meeting:

• Ally of Cooperative Electrification (ACE) award: Marian Trescher, Milton

• Special Ally of Cooperative Electrification (ACE) award: Steve Freese, Hazel Green

• Herman C. Potthast Award for safety: Ben Bella, Mondovi

• N.F. Leifer Memorial Journalism Award: Vernon Electric Cooperative, Dave Maxwell, editor

Marian Trescher has been an advocate for electric cooperatives for decades, assisting her husband, Howard, during his time on the Rock Energy Cooperative board, and taking over his seat when he passed away in 2004. A retired public-school teacher, Trescher has a long list of public service and volunteerism in her community, and those who nominated her describe her as professional, engaged, kind, dedicated, and extremely organized.

Steve Freese, president & CEO of WECA, was selected to receive a special ACE Award. Freese was honored for his lifelong commitment to community, as evidenced by his many years of leadership and service to state and local government, community organizations, and the electric cooperative industry.

The ACE and Special ACE are the highest honors presented by WECA.

Ben Bella, who serves as the safety & loss control manager for Eau Claire Energy, Riverland Energy, Oakdale Electric, and Jackson Electric Cooperatives, is the recipient of the 2022 Potthast Award for his commitment and dedication to safety in the electric cooperative field. Bella has served in this role for more than 12 years. He was instrumental in the production of a series of educational videos and works diligently to educate children and the public about safe electricity use.

Vernon Electric Cooperative was chosen as the recipient of the 2022 N.F. Leifer Memorial Journalism Award, which is bestowed upon the co-op adjudged to have had the strongest overall local pages in the Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News magazine over the previous 12 months. Dave Maxwell, director of member services at Vernon Electric, is the editor. This is the fifth Leifer Award Vernon Electric has won since this publication first began offering awards for excellence in 1966, and the third such honor to be earned on Maxwell’s watch. Pictured left to right are Bella, Freese, Trescher, and Maxwell.

PSC Rules in Favor of ThirdParty Ownership

By a vote of 2–1, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) voted

in favor of a request submitted by Vote Solar, allowing third-party financing of solar installation in one specific case, a move that could open the door to allow private, unregulated solar companies to sell electricity. The action by the PSC supersedes state law by creating a new exemption to the definition of public utility, and upends Wisconsin’s historically well-regulated utility system, for the first time in more than 100 years.

“We are clearly disappointed in the PSC’s decision and believe it is an overreach on an issue that is outside of their jurisdiction. The decision to alter Wisconsin regulatory law after 115 years should only be done in the state capitol by the legislature,” said Rob Richard, WECA director of government relations. “We anticipate this decision will end up in the courts on appeal, and we will continue our fight for fair protections for all electric cooperatives and their members.”

WECA, Customers First! Coalition (CFC), and Wisconsin Utilities Association provided testimony opposing the request. The timeline for a judicial review is 30 days after the written ruling.

MISO Report: Near-Term Capacity Risk Continues

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) has released its 2022 Regional Resource Assessment (RSA), which finds the short-term risk of rolling blackouts in the region continues, and the long-term risk could get even worse.

According to the report, the overall amount of installed capacity increased in 2022, but much of the new generation is from intermittent resources—wind and solar—which are predicted to serve 60% of MISO’s annual load by 2041. While this will reduce emissions by 80%, it will also “sharply increase the complexity of reliably operating and planning the system.”

The report emphasizes the need for controllable ramp-up capability, such as Dairyland Power Cooperative’s proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center, a combined-cycle natural gas plant in Superior, which is currently stalled at the federal level.

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THE THREAT JUST GOT A LITTLE MORE REAL

This month’s “Message from the CEO” is guest commentary from Rob Richard, WECA Director of Government A airs. WECA President and CEO Steve Freese is currently on medical leave.

Last September I raised the impending issue of third-party ownership with you in a column titled “The Rising Threat of Unregulated Third-Party Ownership.” A 2–1 decision last month by the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin granting unregulated third-party entities the ability to sell power has gone against decades-long regulatory and judicial precedent and puts electric cooperatives on the defensive as concerns about consumer protection, reliability, and cost-shifting to lower-income members become top priority.

To quickly recap, last May two nonprofit entities, Vote Solar and Midwest Renewable Energy Association, filed individual petitions asking the PSC to make declaratory rulings that thirdparty financed distributed energy resources (i.e. solar, wind, geothermal, etc.) are not “public utilities” defined under state law and therefore not subject to PSC jurisdiction for regulatory purposes.

In an expedited decision that surprised no one, on December 1 the PSC made the declaratory ruling approving Vote Solar’s petition in Docket 9300DR-106. The specific case in this petition will now allow North Wind Renewable Energy Cooperative to serve their host customer, The Family Project, under a power purchase agreement to directly sell them electricity and not be regulated as a public utility. A decision on the MREA petition may come soon [no decision was reached at the time of publication].

As I wrote in September, the petition was “asking a nonelected, three-person, gubernatorial-appointed Commission to legalize the sale of electricity by a third-party entity within the regulated service territory of another electric provider— your local electric cooperative—without any regulatory oversight of that entity. This action could completely upend a regulatory model that our electric cooperatives have been governed by their entire existence.” While a few may argue the PSC’s “narrow action” is limited to the facts in this one case, this decision has clearly opened the barn door and will

impact all electricity customers in the state. In fact, Vote Solar and MREA openly testified that they don’t intend to limit their expanse as they hope to actively seek customers throughout the state. We have known this all along. This is their endgame.

While troubling in and of itself, the lack of concern for consumer protection, reliability, and cross-subsidization by entities supporting third party is going to ultimately hurt cooperative consumer members. Even though expert testimony confirmed that the Wisconsin Consumer Act would not apply to third-party systems, when asked if consumer protection issues would be affected, the Citizens Utility Board testified, “Not really, no,” and further testified that “ultimately, as with economic issues, these consumer protection issues are not germane…” Opening the door to unregulated third-party owners while putting consumer protections on the back burner is completely opposite of how this should be approached.

PSC Commissioner Ellen Nowak, the lone dissenting vote, railed on this point when she said, “Opponents to the petition [WECA, etc.] also raise valid points about the lack of consumer protections raised to third-party leasing agreements or arrangements. Petitioner and its allies, I thought, responded with a very laissez faire attitude contending that these protections can be addressed later. However, they don’t say when, or by whom, and if by this commission, and how we would even have jurisdiction since they don’t want to be regulated by us in the first place.” Nowak rightfully pointed out the obvious concluding, “If we disclaim jurisdiction over these entities, as Vote Solar request, how would we even have the authority to regulate?”

This decision will most certainly be appealed in court, but our work is cut out for us. One of the commissioners used an ineffectual analogy trying to argue that Generac has the same business model as third-party owners. To be clear, Generac sells and leases equipment. They do not sell electricity. Vote Solar and MREA wish to enter into power purchase agreements with customers and sell electricity. If the question were simply about equipment, the commissioner’s own question, “Would we be having such a ferocious debate if the petitioner was Generac?” would be self-explanatory and this docket wouldn’t even exist. Let’s hope the court sees it that way.

Rob Richard WECA Director of Government A airs

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THE POWER

OF GRACE

From a very young age, Grace Stanke was going places. Born and raised in Wausau, she skipped 6th grade, started taking college courses as a sophomore, and graduated high school at 17 with enough college credits for an associate degree. She became a classical violinist and a competitive water skier in her spare time. In so many ways, she was exceptional.

In other ways, she was just like her peers. “When I was touring colleges at 16, I was thinking aerospace or nuclear engineering. My dad said, ‘There’s no future in nuclear. Don’t do that.’” So, like a typical teenager, that’s exactly what she did.

Setting out to build her career, and prove her father wrong, not necessarily in that order, Grace enrolled at UW-Madison and found herself immersed in the science of what many call the most reliable source of emissions-free energy at a time when the world is still trying to figure out how to power the planet, without adding to the detrimental effects of climate change. As a college freshman, she participated in a fusion research project on campus, then worked with Constellation Energy, the nation’s largest nuclear fleet at the corporate level. She was, you could say, energized by all that she discovered.

“I was able to learn a lot about nuclear power plants during my time there, and the opportunities for safe, reliable, and clean energy, and I realized we need to be having these important conversations and discussions about the energy crisis and how our energy portfolio needs to change,” she said.

Photo courtesy of Denise Watrous Photography

Seeking scholarship money for school, Grace gained a platform to share her message when she was crowned Miss Wisconsin 2022. She traveled the state and nation, speaking at schools and organizations. In November, Grace participated in a panel discussion on nuclear energy at the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association’s (WECA) annual meeting in Stevens Point alongside environmentalist, investigative journalist, and author Michael Shellenberger; NuScale Director of Supply Chain Development Michael Brasel; Dairyland Power Cooperative CEO Brent Ridge; and UW-Madison Grainger professor of nuclear engineering and department chair of engineering physics Paul Wilson. The discussion was moderated by Dairyland Executive VP and COO Ben Porath.

Grace held her own among the seasoned professionals, and Wilson, who also served as her advisor at UW-Madison, said the topic of nuclear energy is reaching new audiences because of her.

“As Miss Wisconsin, Grace has the opportunity to interact with a diverse cross-section of Wisconsin residents across many age groups, cultural backgrounds, education levels, and interests, some of whom have not engaged with the topic of clean energy. As Grace introduces the topic, she does so with openness, enthusiasm, and lack of judgment, inspiring people to be more aware of the benefits of and need for clean energy,” he said.

In December, Grace sought to shine a brighter light on her initiative when she headed to Connecticut to compete in the 2023 Miss America Scholarship Competition.

“Don’t call it a pageant,” Grace said. The iconic competition has evolved for decades since crown-

ing the first Miss America in 1921. The swimsuit competition is out, and the focus on advocacy, social change, career development, networking, and building the leaders of tomorrow is in.

Grace’s social impact statement is “clean energy, cleaner future.” The nuclear engineer did not shy away from her message in the national spotlight. “When I say the word nuclear, what do you think of?” She asked the audience. “I think of warm homes through cold Wisconsin winters.”

During the competition’s red carpet/ interview portion, Grace was asked, “Do you believe nuclear fusion could be the future of energy?” Without hesitation, she responded, “I one-hundred percent believe that,” and followed up with an update on the newest promising developments in the technology.

Grace, now 20, acknowledges that nuclear has its detractors, but what some may see as a controversy, she sees as an opportunity for conversation and growth as a state and as a nation. Now is the time to talk facts, she says, and change the narrative to remind people of the many ground-breaking, life-changing, positive impacts of nuclear engineering.

“Nuclear doesn’t have a science or technology problem,” Grace says. “What we have here is a communication problem. Take my dad, for example. He’s a two-time cancer survivor. Nuclear medicine saved his life. He would not be here without nuclear medicine.” (The Positron Emission Tomography, or PET scan, is one type of nuclear medicine. Today, there are nearly 100 different nuclear medicine imaging studies and treatments.)

And nuclear energy, she says, is critical to a clean energy future.

“My ideal energy portfolio is diverse. It’s a majority of nuclear—60%, and then 5–10% is fossil fuels. I don’t think we’ll ever be able to completely eliminate fossil fuels, and that’s just the reality. And for the rest, I fully support hydro and wind and solar, as much

as we can,” Grace said. “But when it really comes down to it, when we are in the heart of the brutal cold winter, and we need reliable heat, nuclear is one of the only sources of clean energy that can ramp up and meet that demand. So that is my focus. Right now, we don’t need to convince people to support wind and solar. They already do. We need to get more people to support nuclear.”

At the Miss America Competition, Grace shined and showed why she says it’s time to stop “putting people in boxes.” The nuclear engineer won the preliminary talent competition with an exceptional performance as a classical violinist. It was just the beginning.

At the culmination of the competition, on the evening of December 15, 2022, Grace was crowned Miss America 2023, the third Miss Wisconsin ever to take the national title, which comes with a $50,000 scholarship.

Wilson was not surprised. He says Grace showed leadership and drive from the moment she entered the nuclear engineering program in Madison. He believes she now has the opportunity and ability to promote change the way few others can.

“As the first nuclear engineer to be part of the Miss America world, there is a clear dissonance when people encounter a Miss Wisconsin who is also studying such an intellectually challenging discipline. This dissonance is disarming in a way that allows Grace to gain their attention in a way that she may not if her Social Impact Initiative were on a more traditional topic. It also makes her message more memorable because they can attach it to this unexpected dichotomy,” he said.

And he offered a glimpse of her strength of character beyond her many talents. She is not only a great role model for girls in science, she is a champion of all women.

“Grace has shown great leadership in establishing a culture of inclusion in our academic community,” Wilson said. “She has identified and called out behaviors that undermine this culture and sought support to make changes in the community for the benefits of all.”

As Miss America, Grace plans to take the clean energy conversation to the next level, especially with the younger generation. “Right now, we’re seeing major turnover in

the nuclear industry and a surge of people retiring, which is an opportunity for a whole new generation of nuclear engineers to come in. Realistically, it takes a really long time to build new nuclear plants, and if we really want to see that change in lowering emissions, we have to get started. Other countries are doing it, France is 80% nuclear, and America is capable. We need to put in the time and effort and change the political climate and misperceptions about nuclear. That is the one thing that is serving as a blockade and stopping us from excelling. We can set the standard for zero carbon energy production, not only for our country but for the globe.”

Miss America 2023 is also planning for a social media and public information campaign with the Department of Energy and intends to make the most of the opportunities before her, just as she has always done.

As for her dad, he now sees that there is indeed a future in nuclear, not just for his daughter, but for the nation and the world, if she has her way.

“He knows I have a career and more. He’s so excited!” Grace said.

And for the next year, that career comes with a crown. —Julie Lund

2022 Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke is pictured with the HSX fusion experiment at UW–Madison. Photo courtesy of Joel Hallberg/ UW-Madison

Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke competes in the talent competition as a classical violinist. Grace takes her rst walk as Miss Wisconsin. Both photos and all photos on page 11 courtesy of Miss Wisconsin Grace talks with Eau Claire Energy Cooperative President and CEO Monica Obrycki at the recent WECA annual meeting where she also participated on a panel about nuclear energy with industry leaders.

SHOULD I CHANGE MY CHARGING HABITS?

FOUR THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT EXTENDING RECHARGEABLE BATTERY LIFE

Many of us are so connected to our phones, tablets, and laptops that we panic when their battery nears the dreaded 0% mark.

We want our device batteries to perform well for as long as possible. But taking care of them can conflict with why we have our electronics in the first place. The point isn’t to fret about battery life—it’s to read and send emails, scroll on social media, take photos, and countless other pursuits.

If you ever find yourself fretting over your device’s power levels,

here are a few tips on striking the right balance between battery health and how you work and play.

1. Keep your battery about 40% to 80% charged.

There’s a lot of reasonable advice around the internet to keep your phone charged between 20% and 80%, or between 40% and 80%. To understand those recommendations—and why you might want to either follow them

or ignore them—it helps to understand how rechargeable batteries work.

Up until about 20 years ago, batteries benefitted from occasional “deep discharges”—running the battery down until the device shuts off. But because of different materials used in batteries today, that’s not true anymore.

Rechargeable batteries work by containing two different materials that produce electricity when particles flow from one to the other. They flow the other direction when being recharged. That process will degrade any battery over time. Keeping both sides of the battery in balance, with the device charged at about 50%, will put the least amount of stress on the battery and make it last longer.

Many of us are so connected to our phones, tablets, and laptops that we panic when their battery nears the dreaded 0% mark.

But that’s unrealistic—no one’s going to keep their phone half-charged all the time. So, the experts try to make it easier by recommending 40% to 80% or 20% to 80%. Apple devices offer even more flexibility, pointing out that modern rechargeable batteries are designed to last for years under a variety of ways you use them. They recommend rather than worrying about the battery, just focus on using and enjoying your device.

Experts recommend keeping devices charged between 40% and 80% to prolong battery health.

2. Overnight charging can add stress to

some batteries. Charging your device up to 100% or letting it drain to 0% until it shuts down does put extra stress on the battery and can shorten its life. That’s why it can make sense to charge your devices occasionally throughout the day rather than keeping them plugged in while you sleep. Newer electronics will actually stop charging at 100%. But then each time the charge drops to 99%, charging will resume.

3. Keep it cool, but not cold.

One absolute in battery care is don’t let your device get warmer than 95 degrees. Keep it out of the sun, and never

leave it in a hot vehicle. If the device does get hot, don’t go to the other extreme and put it in the freezer. Just place it in the shade or take the cover off for a while.

4. Use less power.

It sounds simple, but one of the easiest ways to put less stress on the battery is to use less power. You can close energy-draining apps and functions when you’re not using them, and you can activate energy-saving settings like putting the device to sleep sooner. Another easy way to reduce battery use is to activate the “airplane mode” button every now and then. You may be inconvenienced by a temporary pause on receiving e-mails or phone calls, but it might help you focus on that movie you’re watching, the trail you’re hiking, or the conversation with your dinner companions.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to turn in their electronics every couple years for the latest versions, these recommendations likely won’t apply. But if you’re someone who wants your devices to last longer, these suggestions can help prolong battery life.

Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives.

IT’S OUR WAY OF LIFE

Being there, every minute, or every day. As your hometown electric cooperative, it’s not just our way of doing business, it’s our way of life. And as a Touchstone Energy ® Cooperative member, that means value that goes far beyond the energy we provide, value you can’t really put a price on.

NEW RATES IN 2023

We have all seen the cost of living increase rapidly over the last several months. Unfortunately, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative is not immune to those increases. The cost of maintaining and upholding the electrical system has grown just like the cost of gas and groceries. The cost of things like poles, wires, transformers, and fuel for our fleet vehicles has increased along with the cost of wholesale power. We have not required a rate increase for our members since 2016. However, it is now necessary to raise rates. Eau Claire Energy Cooperative values its membership beyond measure and we appreciate members’ understanding and loyalty.

Please keep in mind that Eau Claire Energy Cooperative is a not-

for-profit electric utility, meaning that the cooperative passes on both costs and credits back to its members where necessary. It has always been Eau Claire Energy Cooperative’s goal to provide the most safe and reliable service at the lowest possible cost. Our rates are designed not to make a profit, but simply to cover the costs of providing that power. This rate adjustment is needed despite continued growth on the system and careful attention to cost-containment measures. Your electricity rates will continue to remain highly competitive, as all utilities in the area are facing similar cost pressures. The average household

will see an increase of about $11.50 per month based on a 1,000 kWh per month average. Please see our website or the January bill insert for details.

Wholesale power is more than 60% of our total costs. When the cost of generation resources like natural gas increases, the cost of wholesale power increases and therefore rates need to increase to offset that cost.

As a cooperative, we value your membership, and your concerns are always our main focus. As energy prices rise, it’s increasingly important to be as energy efficient as possible. Know that there are four things that affect the cost of your energy bill:

1. Usage – The more energy used, the higher your monthly bill.

2. Fuel Costs – The more it costs to generate electricity, the greater the neccessity for rate increases and/or Power Cost Adjustments.

3. Weather – Supply and Demand. When the weather is extreme, power is more in demand and therefore wholesale costs are higher.

4. Equipment, Material and Supply Costs – Our local costs affect our cost of doing business.

We can’t control the weather or the cost of fuel, but we can help you identify ways to save energy. You can use SmartHub, our online portal, to show daily usage, identify areas of savings, and view your bills. You can also call our office for incentive opportunities for home performance evaluations or other energy efficient upgrades to your home. There are also opportunities for energy assistance for members in need. Please call our office or visit our website for more information and where to apply.

We can’t control the weather or the cost of fuel, but we can help you identify ways to save energy.

visit Valley Sports Academy

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative’s Youth Ambassadors took a trip to Lake Hallie in November to tour one of ECEC’s newest member businesses, Valley Sports Academy (VSA). General Manager Chase Hopple guided the group through the entire facility while highlighting the wide variety of current athletic training programs offered by the facility as well as explaining future expansion plans.

Interested in joining Youth Ambassadors? Throughout the school year, Youth Ambassadors meet once per month for educational learning sessions, field trips, and community service projects followed by lunch. If this sounds like fun to you, apply today!

January 18, 2023

February 15, 2023 March 22, 2023 April 19, 2023 May 24, 2023

Sign up to be a Youth Ambassador today!

SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR CONCERN

FOR COMMUNITY AWARD

Do you know an Eau Claire Energy Cooperative member who has gone above and beyond to help others? Have they made a difference in the community through local service projects, non-profit organizations, or other local events?

Nominate a cooperative member for the annual Concern for Community Award by February 15, 2023. The nomination form is available on our website at www.ecec.com under the “Community” tab. The award recipient will be honored at our 86th Annual Meeting on March 21, 2023.

86TH ANNUAL MEETING

March 21, 2023

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. Dinner to follow At the Florian Gardens

FIVE WAYS TO FIGHT THE WINTER CHILL AND SAVE ENERGY

We all have our favorite season. Some people love crisp, cool weather and bundling up under a favorite blanket, while others prefer the warm temperatures summer brings and all fun outdoor activities that go with it. But there’s one thing we can all agree on: high winter bills

1Mind the thermostat. This is one of the easiest ways to manage your home energy use. We recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees (or lower) when you’re home. When you’re sleeping or away for an extended period of time, try setting it between 58 and 62 degrees; there’s no need to heat your home when you’re away or sleeping and less active.

are never fun. Eau Claire Energy Cooperative is here to help you find ways to manage your home energy use and keep winter bills in check.

Here are five tips to help increase your home’s energy efficiency this winter:

Button up your home. The Department of Energy estimates that air leaks account for 24% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling a home. Caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors is another simple, coste ective way to increase comfort and save energy. If you can feel drafts while standing near a window or door, it likely needs to be sealed.

3Use window coverings wisely. Open blinds, drapes or other window coverings during the day to allow natural sunlight in to warm your home. Close them at night to keep the cold, drafty air out. If you feel cold air around windows, consider hanging curtains or drapes in a thicker material; heavier window coverings can make a signi cant di erence in blocking cold outdoor air.

During winter months, set your thermostat to 68 degrees when you are home. Photo Source: Mark Gilliland, Pioneer Utility Resources

up the thermostat. Add layers and blankets.

Think outside the box. If you’re still feeling chilly at home, think of other ways to warm up—beyond dialing up the thermostat. Add layers of clothing, wear thick socks, and bundle up under blankets. You can even add layers to your home! If you have hard-surface ooring, consider purchasing an area rug to block cold air that leaks in through the oor.

Consider your approach to appliance use. When combined, appliances and electronics account for a signi cant chunk of our home energy use, so assess how e ciently you’re using them. For example, if you’re running the dishwasher or clothes washer, only wash full loads. Look for electronic devices that consume energy even when they’re not in use, like phone chargers or game consoles. Every little bit helps, so unplug them to save energy.

If you’re taking steps to save energy but continue to see increases in your bills, give us a call at 715-832-1603 or take advantage of rebates on home performance evaluations. ECEC’s energy experts can help identify areas and other factors impacting your home energy use and recommend next steps for savings.

Winter months often bring some of the highest energy bills of the year. By being proactive about saving energy, you can increase the comfort of your home and reduce monthly bills. Visit our website at www.ecec.com for additional energy-saving tips.

Absentee ballots available after February 10, 2023

• Submit a request online at www.ecec.com

• Or, call 715-836-6461

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative Attn: Corporate Secretary P.O. Box 368 Fall Creek, WI 54742-0368

Name Address City/State/Zip Phone #

8214 Hwy 12, P.O. Box 368, Fall Creek, WI 54742-0368 www.ecec.com

Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon–Fri

Non-emergencies: 715-832-1603

Emergencies & outages: Toll FREE 800-927-5090

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

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

Monica Obrycki, President and CEO

Nearly 1½ feet high! Majestic Guardian Sculptural Wall Clock

Bradford Exchange 9345 Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714-1393

Please Respond Promptly

TACO TUESDAYS

Cheesy Turkey Walking Tacos

Recipe and photo courtesy of the National Turkey Federation.

This recipe is the ULTIMATE in cheesy taco goodness! The “walking taco” or “taco in a bag” is a fairground delicacy we’re bringing to your kitchen. Cheesy Turkey Walking Tacos are easy to put together and full of the satisfying taco avors you love. Bring the creativity to your table by letting folks build their perfect version of the dish. Plus, these portable bites make a great addition to any game day menu and are sure to earn you MVP of the tailgate. Looking to mix it up? Sub your favorite chip in as the base for these Cheesy Turkey Walking Tacos.

QUESO-STYLE GROUND TURKEY

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, minced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper akes

1 cup grated pepper jack cheese

In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Add the minced onion and garlic and let cook for a minute until softened. Next, add the ground turkey, salt, cumin, and pepper akes, making sure to break up the turkey with a spoon. Cook the turkey until golden brown, approx. 3 minutes. Lower the heat to medium-low and add in the grated pepper jack cheese. Stir frequently until the cheese is combined. Remove from heat and keep warm until ready to use. This will keep refrigerated for up to 4 days; reheat slowly over low heat in a pan on the stovetop, stirring frequently.

WALKING TACOS

6 (1 oz) bags of corn chips

1 tsp ground pepper

1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded

1/2 cup sliced radish

1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese

2 jalapeños, sliced

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1/4 cup sour cream

Preferred hot sauce

On a serving platter or bowl, open each bag of corn chips and gently fold the tops 1/4 of the way down. Carefully spoon Queso-Style Ground Turkey into each bag, making sure to leave room for the other toppings. Add the shredded lettuce, radish, cotija cheese, jalapeños, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Put a fork in each bag and serve with hot sauce on the side. Serves 6.

Chipotle Mushroom Tacos

Recipe and photo courtesy of Chez Us, via The Mushroom Council.

3 Tbsp olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

10 medium cremini mushrooms

1 large portabella mushroom

Chipotle Chicken and Rice Quesadillas

Recipe and photo courtesy of Tawnie at Kroll’s Korner, via the USA Rice Federation (USA Rice).

Who doesn’t love a good quesadilla? This recipe brings together juicy shredded chipotle chicken, black beans, corn, and rice for a avorful, nutrient-dense, and well-textured meal that all will enjoy.

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced

2 cups chicken stock

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 Tbsp adobo sauce from peppers

1 cup long grain white rice

1 Tbsp chipotle chili powder

1/2 Tbsp smoked paprika

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp ancho chili powder

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the chicken breasts in a Dutch oven and pour broth in. Add in all of the seasonings, chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce, and gently stir. Bake for approx. 30–40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Shred chicken and retain the juices. Combine rice with 2 cups water and a dash of salt in a small saucepan. Heat to boiling; stir once or twice. Reduce the heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until most of the water is absorbed. Allow the pot to sit, undisturbed, for another 10 minutes. Fluff with fork and set aside.

QUESADILLAS

2–3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

8 (10-inch) burrito-size flour tortillas

1/2 cup yellow corn, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed Avocados or guacamole

Hot sauce Sour cream

Salsa

4 Tbsp butter

Divide shredded cheese on half of a flour tortilla. On top of the cheese, add spoonfuls of rice, shredded chicken, corn, black beans, and an additional sprinkle of cheese, leaving a small border around the edge. Fold over the remaining half of the tortilla. Melt 1/2 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully transfer the quesadilla to the hot pan and cook until golden brown underneath, approx. 3 minutes. Flip and cook on the second side until golden. Remove from the pan. Slice with a pizza wheel cutter and enjoy with your favorite quesadilla toppings such as avocados, guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, and sour cream. Makes 8 servings.

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 large, canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced

1 Tbsp adobo sauce from the peppers Salt

4 Corn tortillas

Cilantro Feta cheese Salsa

In a large frying pan over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the onion, stir, and lower the heat. Continue cooking the onion until soft, approx. 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cut half of the cremini and portobella mushrooms into slices. Using a food processor, chop the remaining mushrooms and set aside. Add the garlic and minced chipotle peppers and adobo sauce to the onion mixture. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add the mushroom slices, stir, and continue cooking over low heat for 10 minutes. Add the chopped mushrooms, stir, and cook for another 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt. To serve, place some of the mushroom mixture onto a tortilla, and top with some cilantro and feta. You can also add some salsa for a little more flavor and texture. Serves 4.

Roasted Salmon Tacos

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wheat Foods Council.

3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided Olive oil, for coating the pan 1-3/4 lbs center-cut fresh salmon fillet, skin removed

2 tsp chipotle chili powder

2 cups green cabbage, cored and finely shredded

1 English cucumber, unpeeled, quartered lengthwise, diced

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

3 Tbsp coarsely chopped fresh dill 3-1/2 tsp Kosher salt, divided

1 tsp grated lime zest

3 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, divided 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas

2 ripe Hass avocados, seeded and peeled

3/4 tsp Sriracha or other hot sauce

One hour or more before serving toss the cabbage, cucumber, vinegar, dill, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper together in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate while the cabbage mixture marinates. Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees. Brush a baking dish with olive oil and place the salmon in it. Mix the chili powder, lime zest, and 1-1/2 teaspoons salt in a small bowl. Brush the salmon with 1 tablespoon of the lime juice and sprinkle with the chipotle powder mixture. Roast for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until the salmon is just cooked through. Wrap the tortillas in foil and place them in the oven with the salmon. Slice the avocados and sprinkle them with the rest of the lime juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. To serve, lay 2 warm tortillas on each of 6 plates. Mound the cabbage and cucumber mixture on one side of each tortilla, then some large pieces of salmon. Garnish with slices of avocado and dot with Siracha or other hot sauce. Fold the tortillas in half over the filling and serve warm.

READER RECIPES

Strawberry Angel on a Cloud Dessert

RECIPE COURTESY OF LORI JOHNSON, HIXTON

1 angel food cake, pre-baked 1 (6 oz) box strawberry gelatin 2 cups boiling water

1 (24 oz) container frozen strawberries with sugar, thawed 1 (8 oz) tub frozen, whipped topping, thawed

Cut angel food cake into bite-sized (1-inch) pieces. Place half into the bottom of a 9-x-13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together gelatin with boiling water, stirring until dissolved. Add strawberries and combine. Whisk in whipped topping to strawberry mixture until combined well. Spoon half the strawberry mixture over angel food cake pieces. Repeat layers. Spread remaining strawberry mixture on top layer to cover evenly. Cover and place into the refrigerator at least two hours to cool. Garnish each serving with a fresh strawberry.

REQUESTS FROM OUR READERS

An online reader hates doing dishes and is looking for ideas for sheet pan meals.

SEND TO: WECN, Reader Recipes, 222 West Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703-2719 or jennifer@weca.coop.

Sweet Cole Slaw

RECIPE COURTESY OF KATELIN MAIDMENT, NEW AUBURN

1-1/4 cups olive oil mayonnaise 1/2 cup white vinegar 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey (or sugar) 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 2 tsp celery seed 2 (14 oz) packages shredded coleslaw mix

Add the mayonnaise, vinegar, pure maple syrup, salt, pepper, and celery seed to a bowl and whisk until smooth and creamy. In a large bowl, pour the sauce over the coleslaw mix and stir until well combined. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.

Grandpa Luker’s Bacon Cheeseburger Dinner

RECIPE COURTESY OF JACQUELINE MAKI, MAUSTON

1 box macaroni & cheese

1 lb hamburger, browned and drained 1/2 lb bacon

1 medium-large sweet onion, diced

1 (10.5 oz) can cream of tomato soup

In a large pot, prepare macaroni and cheese according to package directions; add cooked hamburger. Slice bacon into approx. 1/2-inch pieces and fry until crisp. Drain and reserve 2 tablespoons bacon fat, saving any remaining bits. Add bacon and 1 tablespoon fat to pot with macaroni and hamburger mixture. Add diced onion and remaining 1 tablespoon bacon fat to pan and brown until edges are brown and crispy. Using a rubber spatula, scrape cooked onion and remaining bacon fat into macaroni and cheese mixture. Add tomato soup, stir and heat thoroughly. Serve with warm, buttered bread. Serves 4–6.

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

Pulled Pork

RECIPE COURTESY OF MARY NAPP, LANCASTER

This recipe is easily doubled and cooked in a Nesco-type roaster. Leftovers also freeze well.

6-1/2 lbs bone-in pork roast, butt, or shoulder

3 Tbsp Dijon mustard

1/3 cup packed brown sugar (dark brown sugar is better)

1 Tbsp canning or Kosher salt

2 Tbsp smoked paprika

1 Tbsp chili powder

1-1/2 tsp ground black pepper, freshly ground if available 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Mix brown sugar and the rest of the spices together in a small bowl. If roast is fatty, trim to leave a 1/4-inch layer of fat. Pat roast dry with paper towels. Place roast in the center of a large sheet (or two smaller overlapping pieces) of plastic wrap. Coat the roast with mustard and brown sugar spice mix. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place inside of a plastic bag. Set on a tray in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best. Unwrap roast and place in a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook 10–12 hours on LOW or 5–6 hours on HIGH. Remove the roast from the cooker; strain the juices, reserve. When roast is cool enough to handle, shred with 2 forks; remove large fat pockets. Add in reserved juices to desired moistness.

Loaded Cauli ower

RECIPE COURTESY OF GEORGE STONE, COLFAX

1 lb cauli ower (about 1 head), cut into bite-sized pieces 4 oz cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup sour cream 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 3/4 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder 3 slices bacon, fried crispy and crumbled 1/4 cup chopped chives, plus extra for topping Salt and pepper, to taste

Steam cauli ower pieces for approx. 10 minutes. Place all ingredients into a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Grease an 8-x8-inch baking dish and spread cauli ower mixture into it evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes until fork-tender.

NOTES: As a side dish, this serves 4–5 easily. Add some cubed, cooked ham and you have a main dish for 4 people.

A NEW PARK FOR THE NEW YEAR

FORMER BOY SCOUT CAMP REINVENTED AS COUNTY PARK

If the start of a new year has you yearning for new adventures and discoveries, we’ve got a destination to recommend—Rock River Heritage County Park, the newest addition to the Rock County Parks system.

Sprawled over 178 acres on the eastern banks of the Rock River just northwest of Janesville, and partially served by Rock Energy Cooperative, Rock River Heritage County Park opened to the public in November. This wooded enclave offers a number of amenities—both natural and manmade—for those seeking outdoor recreation. There’s the river of course, but there’s also a small man-made lake, a steel footbridge spanning a ravine, an outdoor amphitheater, multiple cabins and facilities, benches and picnic tables placed throughout, a winding road as well as walking trails that connect everything together, and wildlife of all kinds at every turn.

Although the park is a work

in progress, with trails still in development and buildings expected to be open for public rental sometime in 2023, there’s already a public event on the agenda: a candlelight hike on January 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Boy Scout Beginnings

Rock River Heritage may be the newest Rock County Park, but the park’s footprint has been in place for more than six decades. It’s a former Boy Scout camp, created in 1946 and named Camp Indian Trails in a nod to Black Hawk and his Sauk tribe who are said to have camped here while on the run from the U.S. Army.

Over the years the Boy Scouts cleared trails on the property, added outdoor recreation stations, and built the necessary infrastructure such as campsites, cabins, and a dining hall with a full kitchen to create a place where generations of Boy Scouts enjoyed camping and all manner of outdoor fun.

In 2021, the Boy Scouts of America Glacier’s Edge Council indicated its plans to sell the camp and Rock County stepped up to purchase, with the goal of preserving the land and opening it up for the public to enjoy.

The county has been working on making improvements to the park since it was purchased last February. In November the county announced a “primitive” opening, with an official grand opening event planned for some time in the spring.

“Whether you’re a hiker, fisher, or simply a person who enjoys the parks, we are excited to announce the opening of the Rock River Heritage Park and while there is a lot of work yet to do, we feel that the citizens of Rock County deserve to experience this magnificent property and what it has to offer,” Rock County Parks Manager John Traynor said in a press release.

More

to Come The former camp’s established infrastructure—

Rock River Heritage Park o ers beautiful views of and access to the Rock River. It’s a great place to enjoy a winter walk in nature.

with some of the many buildings having been recently fully renovated—offer great potential for the park’s future use. The buildings are not currently open, but Traynor said they will be available to the public to rent for parties and other events some time in 2023.

In the meantime, visitors are welcome to explore the property and walk along the trails, although Traynor noted that the trails are also undergoing improvement. At the moment the park’s trails reflect their original intention— that of funneling groups of Boy Scouts from one building or activity to the next.

“I would call it more of a destination trail system,” he said. “So we’re working with the Rock Trail Coalition and the Ice Age Trail Alliance and some other groups that are involved in our parks already to hopefully develop a more advanced trail system out there in the upcoming year.”

The Ice Age Trail, a 1,200-mile footpath that roughly follows the farthest advance of the glacier more than 12,000 years ago, has segments passing through and around Janesville already. The planned trails at Rock River Heritage Park will not be connected to the existing Ice Age Trail due to the park’s location in relation to the Rock River crossing points, but they would be listed as an Ice Age Trail destination, Traynor explained.

However, there’s no need to wait for further trail development to enjoy the park. The existing pathways make for pleasant winter walking or snowshoeing, and

Right: Multiple cabins are tucked inside the woods throughout Rock River Heritage Park. There’s also a dining hall and other facilities that are expected to be available to the public to rent sometime in 2023.

Below: Among the scenic features within the park is a manmade pond that visitors can walk around.

guests can enjoy waterfront views by strolling around the small lake or walking across a former athletic field right down to the Rock River’s banks.

Also, wandering around the little cabin areas and outdoor stations throughout the park leave a sense of appreciation for the Boy Scouts of years past who created this space and made special memories here. One could say they blazed a trail for the public to follow.—Mary Erickson

Rock River Heritage Park is located at 5801 N. River Road, Janesville, 53545. It’s open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times and cleaned up after. Friends of Rock County Parks are hosting a candlelight hike at the park on Saturday, January 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. Fire warming pits and treats will be available. The event is free, but a $5 per person donation is appreciated. To learn more visit co.rock.wi.us or follow Friends of Rock County Parks on Facebook.

Lower your thermostat at night and when you’re away from home. You can save as much as 10 percent per year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7° to 10° from its normal setting for eight hours a day.

Make sure your home isn’t leaking any heat through cracks or gaps around places like windows, doors, outlets, and attic hatches. Sealing these gaps with caulk can save an average household 10 to 20 percent on heating bills.

Open curtains on sunny days and let the sun warm up your home. Just remember to close curtains and blinds at night to help block the cold, and consider hanging curtains with a thermal lining, which can reduce heat loss up to 25 percent. Make sure your replace damper is closed when the replace is not in use. If it’s left open or it hasn’t sealed properly, all the warmed air will be pulled outside, raising a home’s energy consumption by up to 30 percent.

The cold weather probably has you indoors more, using your electronics more often. Make sure your devices are set to go into sleep mode after a period of inactivity. Unplug noncritical equipment when not in use to avoid “vampire” loads. Better yet, connect them to a power strip and simply switch the power strip o .

Watch your hot water use. An easy way to do that is to avoid washing your clothes with hot water. Using warm water instead of hot can cut a laundry load’s energy use in half; using cold water will save even more.

Change or clean your furnace lter according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

A clogged lter can can cause your heating system to use up to 15 percent more energy than normal.

With winter’s shorter days you’re probably also using lights more often. If you haven’t already, switch out any remaining incandescent bulbs for LEDs, which use at least 75 percent less energy than their incandescent counterparts and last up to 25 times longer. This may seem obvious, but bundle up in sweaters and slippers when you’re indoors, sip warm beverages, and cozy up with a blanket. It really does make a di erence! You might even be able to lower your thermostat a few more degrees!

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

Finally, seek out help if you need it. The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) assists eligible households with heating and energy bills. Visit homeenergyplus.wi.gov or call 1-866- 432-8947to see if you qualify.

Miscellaneous Plants & Shrubs

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

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

SEPTIC PROBLEMS: Do you have standing water on your drain eld? Have you been told you need a new expensive septic system? I have an alternative that works, also comes with a warranty (no digging). Call toll free 855-797-6072 or email mmtagm@ yahoo.com.

OLD MOVIES TO DVD—Transferring 8mm, VHS, slides, and all formats. Saving family memories! Special on now! DVD Productions. Gene 715-827-2302.

COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR ANTIQUE OR HAND-MADE LARGE TRAPS. For sale: smaller trapping traps. 715-563-6658.

WANTED: OLD BEER CANS AND BOTTLES. Let me know what you have. 715-8289414 Willing to travel. Paying cash.

A BOOK FOR SENIORS AND CAREGIVERS. A Senior’s Guide for Living Well and Dying Well: Conversations that matter. Author A. Stewart Hanson, M.D. $19.95 plus shipping. Available at www.itascabooks. com.

FOR SALE: 1940 FORD. 1-1/2 T C.O.E. Everything rebuilt as needed. 1953 Ford v-8 rebuilt. New paint. 2,000 new dually box. New glass. 12v. Good rubber. Very, very nice. Gene. 608-317-4233.

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

Real Estate

FOR SALE: NEW GARAGE DOORS. HAAS Insulated 770 raised panel with prairie view glass. R-Value 16.8. Almond color. All hardware included. 9’-x 8’-x 1-1/2” thick. Waukesha County. Call 262-751-0297.

Classi ed ads reach more than 152,000 mailboxes. RATES: For non-members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $25 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $1.25 each. For members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $14 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $.70 each. Count name, address, and phone number as part of ad. Please include zip code. FOR PROOF OF MEMBERSHIP, please include your address label from your copy of the magazine. FREQUENCY DISCOUNTS: 2% discount for 3 months; 5% for 6 months; 10% for 12 months. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the ad is to appear. All classi ed ads must be paid in advance. There is no agency discount on classi eds. Make check or money order payable to: WECA. Mail to: WECN—Classi eds, Attn. Jennifer, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Ph: 608-467-4638. Email jennifer@weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads.

1–30

Holiday Show and Glassblowing

Demos—Brule. Oulu Glass Gallery, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Holiday Show and free glassblowing demos. Come to shop or to watch glassblowing. Classes available. One hour from Hayward, Duluth, or Bayfield. For more info, call 715-372-4160.

14 Special Occasion Dress Sale— Neillsville. High School main entrance, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Dress drop-off dates and times are Jan. 8 (11 a.m.–1 p.m.) and Jan. 13 (6–8 p.m.) Bring your clean, gently used dresses (prom, wedding, 1st communion, quinceañera, mother-of-the-bride, etc.) on one of the drop off dates. $5 per dress entered and you choose the price for each item. Cash or check only. For more info, email kaasselin@gmail.com.

21 Chili Feed—Alma. St. John Lutheran Church, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Documentary movie and informational talk by the conservancy about the Wisconsin Driftless Area. Chili served at 11 a.m. and program starts at 1 p.m. Cost $10. Meat or vegetarian chili, toppings, dessert, coffee, milk. For more info, visit https:// www.wingsoveralma.org

21 Family Fishing Outing—Stanley. Otter Lake; adult contest, 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m.; kids’ contest, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Warming tent available. Adult contest offers over $5,000 in prizes. Kids’ contest for ages 15 and younger, and every fish caught by a youth earns a prize. Free hot dogs and hot cocoa for the kids. This is also the DNR’s free fishing weekend, so no fishing license is needed. For more info, call Dean Samuelson (adult contest) at 715-644-2192 or Dan Liske (kids’ contest) 715-644-1099.

21 Brat Feed—Holcombe. Flater’s Resort, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Raffles, live music, bar, over $2,500 in cash prizes, grand prize 2023 Ski Doo Blizzard snowmobile. Fun event for the family to enjoy. For more info, call 715-595-4771.l

28 Ice Fishing Contest & Jamboree— Gilman. Miller Dam at Chequamegon Waters, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. UTV/ ATV/snowmobile dress-up contest, free fishing rods for the first 100 kids, prizes, food, beverage, heated shelter, and family fun. For more info, visit www.millerdamlakeassoc. com under events or call 715-4478524 or 715-314-2035.

28 Flurry Snowshoe Race/Run/Walk—

Phillips. School forest, 10:30 a.m–1 p.m. Serving as the Wisconsin state snowshoe championships. 5K and 10K distances. Participate virtually or in-person. For more info, visit www.phillipsflurry.com; email info@phillipsflurry.com; or call 715-339-2190.

28 Wild Game Banquet—Oconto. Oconto Falls High School Commons Area & PAC, 4–8:30 p.m. Banquet includes a seminar with featured guest speaker James H. VanSteenhouse “The Bear Man.” He is an avid archery hunter around the world. In 2015, he was attacked by a grizzly while on an archery moose hunt, it changed his life forever. You need to hear his story. Doors open at 4 p.m., potluck dinner 5:30 p.m., speaker at 6:30 p.m. For more info, contact Hillside Assembly at 920-855-2962.

Wisconsin Events is a public service for our readers. Due to space limits, we may need to eliminate details, so be sure to include a phone number (with area code) where callers may obtain more info. If we receive more listings than space allows us to print, we reserve the right to select those we believe will be of interest to the greatest number of readers. Please no virtual events. Events can also be mailed to: WECN, Events, 222 W. Washington Ave. Ste. 680, Madison WI 53703-2719

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

1. Dane wants the goats to play with him. Photo submitted by Grandma Donna Nelson, a member of Rock Energy.

2. Eowyn loves her pet chickens, ducks, dogs, and cat. This is her with Rotisserie. Photo submitted by Great Grandma Lisa Root, a member of Oconto Electric.

3. Remington and his best friend, Paisley, take a break from farming to rest in the wagon. Photo submitted by Jessica Dreier, a member of Oakdale Electric.

4. Kyan and Louden love playing with grandma and grandpa’s chickens while they were visiting from Arizona. Photo submitted by Grandparents Frank and June Randle, members of Vernon Electric.

THE SAFE WAY WITH SPACE HEATERS

Plug your space heater directly into an outlet. Power strips aren’t designed to handle the high current required by space heaters.

Turn o the space heater when leaving the room or going to bed, not just for safety, but also to keep costs down.

Keep all ammable objects at least 3 feet away from any heat source, including space heaters.