Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News February 2024 Eau Claire by American MainStreet Publications

Since 1940

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CONTENTS February 2024 Vol. 84 No. 8

10 Treading Water

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.

The Cardinal-Hickory Creek line will advance clean energy once it crosses the Mississippi.

Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200. Steve Freese, president & CEO.

14 Manufactured Homes

Make your manufactured home more efficient.

USPS number: 688-480. Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200.

24 Wisconsin Favorites

Eau Claire to host U.S. National Snowshoe Championships.

Periodicals postage paid at Sun Prairie, Wis. Send correspondence to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102, Middleton, WI 53562-2200. Phone (608) 467-4650.

31 Kids & Critters

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 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 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.

Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.

Join us on

On the cover: Eau Claire and snowshoes will make a winning combination at Lowes Creek County Park. Photo courtesy of U.S. Snowshoe Association

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS BRIEFS

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

15 MY CO-OP 20 RECIPES 22 READER RECIPES 28 CLASSIFIEDS 30 EVENTS

Please recycle wecnmagazine.com

WECN Feb24TOC.indd 1

February 2024

1/17/24 3:05 PM

SYMBOL SEARCH HIDDEN OBJECT GAME

2024 CHARLES VAN SICKLE

Finding our January symbol was Natalie Halfman, a member of Oakdale Electric Cooperative. Natalie said, “The snowflake is found in the map of Eastern Asia on page 11; it is in the country of Bangladesh. Thank you for the article on Dr Gattie’s presentation at the annual WECA meeting. It is an excellent outline of the complexities of the impact in our world that are not brought to light in most communications.” Now, we challenge you to find this orange, representing our orange recipes this month. Remember that the symbol can be anywhere and any size. One randomly selected winner will receive a Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News kitchen kit. One entry per household, please, and provide your permanent home or mailing address with your entry. Send entries by February 12.

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 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200

SCHOLARSHIP

harles “Chuck” Van Sickle was a cooperative law leader in Wisconsin for decades. As a lobbyist, Chuck had a reputation for working with both sides of the aisle. As legal counsel for Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives, he spent nearly 50 years representing the best interests of cooperatives as part of the Madison law firm Wheeler, Van Sickle and Anderson. His expertise was the driving force behind many landmark cooperative initiatives. In addition to Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives, he advised healthcare cooperatives, the Rural Electric Supply Cooperative, and was instrumental in creating the Federated Rural Insurance Exchange. Perhaps his most meaningful work for Wisconsin’s youth was forming a nonprofit trust, the Federated Youth Foundation (FYF), which allows co-ops to use their forfeited, unclaimed capital credits to award scholarships to youth from their cooperatives. In fiscal year 2022-23 alone, cooperatives distributed $797,200 in scholarships through FYF. After his death in 2012, an endowment at FYF was established in Chuck’s name to honor his memory in a fitting way: provide a $2,000 scholarship to a pre-law or law student who plans to specialize in cooperative law. Applicants must reside in Wisconsin and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2024. Information can be found at www.weca.coop/van-sickle-endowment-scholarship. Aside from his namesake scholarship, we’ll see the fruits of Chuck’s work by way of the other cooperative scholarships awarded through FYF at co-op annual meetings across the state this spring and summer.

Dana Kelroy Editor

Good luck! 4

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Feb24Editor.indd 1

1/18/24 10:35 AM

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1/9/24 9:52 AM

NEWS BRIEFS EV Charging Legislation Clears Committee

Legislation aimed at expanding Wisconsin’s electric vehicle infrastructure with the help of federal funds unanimously passed a committee. The law includes clariﬁcations that are necessary for the state to tap into more than $78 million in federal funds, including the requirement that chargers sell power by kilowatt-hour. The legislation must be passed and signed by March 31 to receive the federal funds.

Pierce Pepin Lobbies for State Support of Reading Program

Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS) Communications Coordinator Liz Gunderson traveled to Madison to testify before the Assembly Committee on Children and Families in support of grants for national reading programs such as the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Assembly Bill 741 would require the Department of Children and Families to establish a grant program to reimburse nonprofit organizations for 50% of the cost of providing books (up to $10,000 total) to young children under the program. PPCS became an affiliate of the program in August 2021, providing free monthly books to more than 1,200 children in its service area. Gunderson testified that, “The hardest part of my job coordinating the program is having to deny a child who lives outside our territory,” and said she hopes this law will help expand the program to other areas.

NRECA Joins Push for Grid Investment

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) joined the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and other groups in urging Congress to spend $1.2 billion to expand and strengthen capacity of the grid and to boost the supply chain for distribution transformers. The coalition wants the repurposed supplemental funding included in upcoming negotiations of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill for Distribution Transformer and Grid Components. “Using this supplemental funding to accelerate the manufacturing of distribution transformers and other grid components will help electric coops keep the lights on and meet future energy needs of 42 million Americans,” NRECA CEO Jim Matheson said. 6

Changes come to the PSC

Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq announced plans to leave the Commission last month, just days before the state Senate voted to reject the appointment of Tyler Huebner. The shake-up opened up two positions on the three-member commission. In rejecting Huebner, Senator Julian Bradley (R-Franklin) argued that he overstepped his legal authority by pushing for income-based utility rates. Governor Tony Evers named Commissioner Summer Strand, who he appointed to the PSC in March of 2023, to serve as PSC chair. The Senate voted in favor of this action. Evers appointed Kristy Nieto, a division administrator for energy regulation and analysis at the PSC, to ﬁll Huebner’s spot.

Pollution Down in 2023, Driven by Energy Sector

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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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MESSAGE from the CEO COMMISSION REJECTS MREA SOLAR PETITION

entities under Chapter 196 of state statutes. We have hen the Public Service also discussed that it’s not fair for ALL cooperative Commission (PSC) consumer-members when those who sign into a thirdof Wisconsin met last party ownership agreement are subsidized by the December 14 to discuss Docket remaining cooperative members. No. 9300-DR-105, a petition What is a bit unusual in this case is that the PSC filed by the Midwest Renewable went to extraordinary lengths in giving MREA the Energy Association (MREA) ability to bolster their legal arguments in favor of a asking for a declaratory ruling to declaratory ruling, and MREA still punted. allow for an unregulated market Steve Freese Over a year ago, when the case was first presented of third-party ownership to install President and CEO to the PSC, then-commissioner Ellen Nowak publicly solar and other distributed energy chastised her colleagues when she stated we “were systems, they unexpectedly gave WECA and the all in agreement that MREA’s petition was deficient, cooperative consumer-members we represent an early and the facts presented did not warrant a ruling in Christmas present. its favor. The proper action by an adjudicator in that In an unequivocal 3-0 decision, the PSC denied instance is dismissal. But the majority exceeded its the request for a declaratory ruling on third-party discretion and authority by sending the petition back solar brought forth by MREA. In the petition for a to MREA and asked it to bring a set of facts that it declaratory ruling, MREA argued “that thirdcould decide. That is not the role party financed distributed energy of a regulator or adjudicator.” resources (DERs) are not ‘public As has been discussed in Nowak added, “Remarkably, utilities’ as defined in Wisconsin this column many times the majority is not just telling Statute section 196.01(5)(a)2 and, MREA to craft a new or therefore, are not subject to the over the last couple of amended petition, but it is PSC’s jurisdiction under any statyears, WECA has taken a even helping craft the petition ute or rule regulating public utilstrong stance against third- by asking MREA to consider ities.” From our perspective, this was an attempt to circumvent any party ownership if it fails to technologies and generation sources that were not even regulatory authority and operate meet certain criteria, but part of its original petition… as unregulated third-party entiThis is a dangerous course for ties, even putting aside adequate most importantly, we will the Wisconsin Public Service consumer protections for individcontinue to fight against Commission.” So, all MREA had uals who would be exposed to this unregulated schemes that to do was answer a few more unregulated financing scheme. questions that the PSC presented As has been discussed in this do not adequately and to them in the docket, but column many times over the last sufficiently protect our instead, they got crickets because couple of years, WECA has taken their legal arguments did not a strong stance against third-party consumer-members. hold up, and their intent would ownership if it fails to meet certain be exposed for what it is—the statewide expanse of a criteria, but most importantly, we will continue completely unregulated third-party financing scheme. to fight against unregulated schemes that do not Nowak’s replacement on the PSC, Summer Strand, adequately and sufficiently protect our consumerperfectly summed it up at the December PSC meeting members. I have written about the fallout from bad when she said, “We telegraph for them [MREA] what actors like defunct and bankrupt Moxie Solar and we wanted, and we didn’t receive it.” Sun Badger Solar, who scammed potential solar Unfortunately, the case is not completely gone consumers out of thousands of dollars. We have yet. Once the PSC issues its written decision on the brought to your attention the need for the Wisconsin docket, MREA has 30 days to appeal the decision in Consumer Act to apply to any third-party ownership circuit court. WECA will keep you apprised of any agreement so energy consumers have full protection new developments. since utility laws would not bind these financing 8

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Feb24Steve.indd 1

1/17/24 3:13 PM

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Female

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Female

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169

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9.77

8.61

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10.87

9.12

8.12

10.32

9.44

14.04

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55.50

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188

129

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8.37

10.52

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12.99

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59.98

41.71

108.51

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207

140

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8.48

11.69

10.16

15.63

13.80

37.41

25.65

66.43

47.11

121.89

83.65

236

156

41.07

27.91

73.90

51.33

135.77

92.10

265

171

9.46

8.61

12.35

10.56

16.47

14.31

9.63

8.83

12.94

11.01

17.32

15.16

44.58

34.39

85.55

59.61

151.36

101.40

287

187

10.05

9.05

13.66

11.61

19.38

16.77

48.23

38.53

93.16

64.39

168.32

111.96

323

206

10.47

9.26

14.21

12.46

21.07

18.19

53.18

41.15 100.34

70.37

187.54

124.63

356

229

59.15

44.62

115.74

75.41

208.45

134.77

392

248

10.98

9.39

14.72

13.25

23.23

19.77

11.58

9.73

15.68

14.10

25.26

21.41

65.66

49.09 130.13

83.65

230.15

147.28

436

272

12.25

10.15

16.86

15.16

27.90

23.58

74.33

59.65

145.11

112.92

261.19

173.71

491

322

12.84

10.65

17.85

15.87

29.57

24.92

82.98

65.91 161.68

129.33

292.32

187.50

548

352

93.20

73.30 181.25

148.72

329.12

203.80

615

387

13.43

11.16

19.14

16.84

32.11

26.60

13.48

11.89

20.45

17.77

34.21

28.42

102.45

82.71 204.38

159.34

373.07

234.59

702

443

13.71

12.33

21.77

18.77

37.13

30.30

113.68

94.13 232.46

172.23

426.44

271.99

807

512

14.37

12.99

23.41

20.00

39.68

33.31

127.55

108.24 267.15

188.15

492.36

318.18

937

596

142.08

123.01 303.50

204.84

561.42

366.57

1074

685

15.38

13.75

25.38

21.18

44.27

34.98

16.37

14.88

28.02

22.76

49.00

37.94

159.25

140.48 346.45

224.56

643.04

423.76

1235

789

17.46

15.88

30.96

24.81

54.33

43.09

101

200.03

174.92 418.29

276.67

784.08

529.52

1489

982

18.69

16.72

34.00

26.21

59.70

45.15

112

249.54

216.74 505.52

339.94

955.35

657.94

1797

1215

310.70

268.40 613.27

418.11 1166.92

816.58

2179

1504

20.64

17.51

37.14

27.86

66.68

49.42

122

22.69

19.48

41.67

31.07

73.22

52.92

140

374.78

322.52 726.16

500.00 1388.55

982.78

2578

1807

24.69

20.63

45.59

33.43

80.39

57.15

154 107

450.51

386.48 859.57

596.78 1650.49 1179.18

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* $1,000,000 monthly rates are rounded up to the nearest dollar. Therefore, actual monthly rates at $1,000,000 may be slightly less.

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(203) 637-1544 or (800) 645-1544 Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm EST Premiums illustrated represent 10 year level term insurance with guaranteed level premiums for 10 years. $100,000 - $1,000,000 rates are Select-A-Term [policy form no. 07007] Preferred Plus Nontobacco. This coverage features a level death benefit with fully guaranteed level premiums for the first 10 years with coverage to expire at age 95. The policy may be continued on Annual Renewable Term at the end of the level premium period without evidence of insurability until the anniversary nearest the insured’s 95th birthday. The underwriting risks, financial and contractual obligations and support functions associated with products issued by American General Life Insurance Company (AGL) Houston, TX are its responsibility. AGL does not solicit business in the state of New York. All terms, conditions and limitations of any policy issued shall govern. American General Life Companies is the marketing name for a group of domestic life insurers including American General Life Insurance Company and The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York. Policies and riders not available in all states. Premium rates current as of October 2023; rates may vary by state. Premiums available for other rate classes, ages and payment plans. Premium charges depend on evidence of insurability. Premiums increase at the end of the guaranteed term if policy is renewed. Death benefit remains level. The policy may be contested for two years from the date of issue for material misstatements or omissions on the application. Death benefit is limited to return of premium paid in the event of suicide within first two years. Rates subject to change. Standard Marketing Services represents AGL and other fine insurance companies. All companies identified above are wholly owned subsidiaries of Corebridge Financial, Inc. Corebridge Financial and Corebridge are marketing names used by subsidiaries of Corebridge Financial, Inc.

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TREADING WATER

HOW THE CARDINAL-HICKORY CREEK LINE WILL HELP ADVANCE CLEAN ENERGY ONCE IT GETS FINAL APPROVAL TO CROSS THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

n the year 2011, President Barack Obama announced U.S. Marines had killed Osama Bin Laden, Prince William married Kate Middleton, and Mojang Studios released the blockbuster video game Minecraft. It was also the year the plan for the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line was set into motion. When the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the grid operator that directs the flow of electricity across the Midwest region that covers 15 states, including Wisconsin and part of Canada, released its list of routes critical to building out the region’s transmission infrastructure, the proposal to build a line from a substation west of Madison to connect to Dubuque, Iowa, was on it. MISO was already planning for an anticipated influx of wind and solar projects, which requires more capacity to get the electricity from its source to those who need it. Shortly after MISO released its report on the most-needed transmission projects, Dairyland Power Cooperative, along with transmission project co-owner utilities American Transmission Company (ATC) and ITC Midwest, got to work on the complex, layered, in-depth process of seeking state

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FEATURE and federal approvals to build the 345-kV Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line. Thirteen years later, it’s still not done. “When this project was initially planned, we expected to have this critical transmission project in service several years ago,” said Dairyland’s Executive Vice

More than 160 clean energy projects —including wind, solar, and battery storage— depend on the Cardinal-Hickory Creek line, which means they can’t connect to the grid until the line is built. President & Chief Operating Ofﬁcer Ben Porath. “This has been taking far longer than it should.” It’s a regional problem with global impacts. More than 160 clean energy projects—including wind, solar, and battery storage—depend on the Cardinal-Hickory Creek line, which means they can’t connect to the grid until the line is built. “It’s like if you have a water system in a city and you get a couple new subdivisions coming in, and they want to connect to the existing water system, and the engineers say, ‘Wait a second, with all that new need, we have to expand the water pipelines,’” Porath explained. “Similarly, as all these new wind farms want to come on to the Upper Midwest grid system in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas, we can’t keep pushing the same energy across the same transmission line pipelines without more capacity.” The lengthy process of permitting

transmission projects may be the biggest impediment to the clean energy transition. President Joe Biden and his administration pledged to cut emissions in the United States by 50% by 2030, but a new report by the independent research firm Rhodium Group finds we will likely miss the mark. U.S. emissions dropped 2% in 2023, but it’s not enough to reach the goal set to fight climate change and slow the warming of the planet. And the planet is, indeed, warming. The European climate agency Copernicus reports that 2023 broke the global heat record with an increase of 1.48 degrees Celsius (2.66 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times, edging very close to the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit

was only the ﬁfth warmest year on record. However, it still reports the heat was record-breaking in the number of billion-dollar environmental disasters it caused. There were 28 separate weather events that resulted in $93 billion in total damages last year, breaking the previous record of 22 billion-dollar events set in 2020. That is motivating data for many environmentalists, community leaders, and, of course, politicians. Biden and congressional Democrats pushed through the most sweeping climate law in U.S. history in 2022. The Inﬂation Reduction Act authorizes nearly $375 billion in tax credits and other incentives to accelerate the clean energy transition, but it does not directly

Part of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek line that runs through Grant County is already energized. Photo courtesy of DPC

that climate experts say would be catastrophic and result in irreversible effects. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2023

address the delays that, in recent years, slowed the Cardinal-Hickory Creek project to a halt. Last year, Dairyland Vice President for Strategic Growth John Carr testiﬁed before Congress as it

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considered the “Builder” Act, aimed at streamlining permitting. “We simply must reform the process to enable the transition that is already underway and to ensure it can be done reliably and affordably for our customers,” Carr said. In his testimony, Carr talked about delays with the Cardinal-Hickory Creek project and asked lawmakers

have been the most significant barrier to the Cardinal-Hickory project, which is 98% complete. Approximately 1.3 miles of the 102-mile route cross over the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, drawing opposition from environmental groups, including the National Wildlife Refuge Association, the Driftless Area Land Conservancy, and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and Defenders of Wildlife, for the impact the line may have, mainly on birds. For its part, in addition to the extensive environmental studies and actions required in state and federal applications to build transmission lines, Dairyland, under the cooperative principle of “Concern for Community,” seeks to serve its members by going beyond in its work to support clean air, land, and water, and minimize impacts on wildlife. Some of Dairyland’s voluntary projects include reestablishing the Peregrine falcon, improving fish habitat, planting pollinator gardens for the Monarch butterfly population, and installing bird diverters on powerlines. “They look like big whiffle balls on the lines,” Porath explained. “We place these yellow or gray A helicopter is used to install bird-deterrent “whiffle balls” shown in the foreground. balls about every 15 to 30 feet on Photo courtesy of DPC the wires, depending on location. It to establish firm timelines for consideration of gives them a visual cue so they can fly around it.” environmental reviews, which currently take 4.5 years In the latest round of legal wrangling, in July, the on average, to work more closely with applicants in 7th District Court of Appeals sided with Dairyland and the process while maintaining agency authority, to its transmission line co-owner utilities, but it’s not over ensure more efficient reviews for projects with minimal yet. Since then, the project co-owners have continued environmental impacts, and to limit unnecessary to work closely with federal agencies to support their litigation. final authorizations to allow for completion of the last “It’s not a matter of skipping steps or skipping short segment from near the Nelson Dewey Substation reviews or minimizing people’s rights. It’s a matter westward across the Mississippi River to near the of streamlining the process so those rights can all be Turkey River Substation in Clayton County, Iowa. addressed without causing undue cost pressures and “It’s a much better place to cross the river and a lot increases to the consumer,” Porath said. less environmental impact,” Porath said. “It will follow The Builder Act stalled in Congress, but some of its where the ferry crosses, it will follow the road that provisions, including a two-year time limit on agencypeople come in on, and it will be built on the farming produced “Environmental Impact Statements” and a side of the road which has already been cleared.” one-year limit on “Environmental Assessments,” made Another court challenge would mean another delay it into the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. What and increase in the final cost of the Cardinal-Hickory did not make it into the law was the “judicial review” Creek Line, which has already exceeded projections. provision that would have put a time limit on litigation. In its initial application with the Public Service Legal challenges at the state and federal level Commission of Wisconsin, Dairyland, ATC, and ITC

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FEATURE Midwest projected the final cost of the project would be $492 million. As of March 31, 2023, costs had already topped $530 million due to the ongoing legal challenges that extended construction into the pandemic and beyond. “If we had this fully procured, bought all the poles and had the final engineering done and all approvals in, we would have finished building this, probably in the middle of COVID. But because now we’ve had to wait, we’ve got inflation costs from the supply-chain issues as well as the legal costs impacting the bottom line of the project,” Porath said. (Cost sharing of the Cardinal-Hickory line will be spread across multiple states, with Wisconsin consumers paying 10-15% of the total cost through a charge on utility bills.) In the meantime, Dairyland announced that the east side of the line had been energized. It was put into service on December 7, 2023. This is good news for the growing list of renewable energy projects that are in various stages of development, waiting in the MISO queue for the go-ahead to connect to the grid. These include solar farms pending in Richland, Green, Chippewa, Barron, and Columbia counties; a wind farm in Lafayette County; and a 150 MW battery storage plant in Buffalo County, just to name a few. Porath is hopeful the approvals will come soon. “We expect to have that in the first quarter, so that we can finalize construction of the river crossing over the next few months and have the full line in service by June 2024.” Dairyland and its project partners say the Cardinal-Hickory Creek line will reduce energy costs, improve the reliability and flexibility of the region’s transmission system, and promote clean energy by delivering wind and solar energy from the upper Great Plains to southern Wisconsin. The 161 renewable energy projects it will support will bring more than 24.7 gigawatts of electricity to the grid—enough to power millions of homes and businesses with clean energy. But it still has to get finished first. —Julie Lund

Dairyland Power Cooperative Vice President for Strategic Growth John Carr testified before Congress last year as it considered the Builder Act. Photo courtesy of House Committee on Natural Resources. Map courtesy of www.cardinal-hickorycreek.com

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FEATURE

EFFICIENCY TIPS

FOR MANUFACTURED HOMES Q: I live in a manufactured home. How can I keep the inside temperature more comfortable and save on energy bills? A: There are several tasks you can

complete to improve comfort and use less energy in your manufactured home. I started my career in energy efficiency as a weatherization technician in Wisconsin. In this role, I helped people in manufactured homes by air sealing, duct sealing, adding insulation, and installing new windows, showerheads, faucet aerators, and lightbulbs. More than 22 million Americans live in manufactured homes, according to the National Association of State Energy Officials. Manufactured homes represent 15% of housing in rural areas, and only 3% in urban areas. Knowing how manufactured homes are built helps us understand where we can seal in savings around the house. These homes are constructed in factories and then transported and set up on-site. Construction in a factory reduces costs, making manufactured homes an affordable option. That lower price point can come, in part, from the use of less expensive equipment and fewer materials, such as lowerefficiency heating equipment or less insulation. If you are thinking of considering a manufactured home, consider ENERGY STAR®-certified manufactured homes, which are 30% more energy efficient than standard models and come with a variety of options that increase the home’s energy efficiency. If you already live in a manufactured home, you likely know that manufactured homes are constructed in sections. One section is a single wide 14

inside the warm area. An inspection of the crossover duct requires crawling under the home. That’s a dirty job and often a tight spot, so you might choose to hire a professional. Another place to check is the joint joining the sections of a double wide or triple wide together. This is often covered by trim when the home is placed. You can caulk around the trim or remove it and caulk underneath to reduce air leakage. Weatherstripping doors and windows to make sure they seal tightly will also reduce drafts and save

home, two are combined to make a double wide home, and three make a triple wide home. In my experience, the biggest issues were in the duct systems, which deliver heating and cooling throughout the homes. The ductwork is typically located in the cavity between the floor and the transport barrier, which protects the underside of the manufactured home while it is transported from the factory to the site. Typically, one long duct runs the length of each section of the home, with the registers or vents cut into it. The first step is making sure all registers are accessible, open, and not More than 22 million Americans live covered by furniture, rugs, in manufactured dog beds, or anything else. homes, according Next, check your to the National ductwork by removing the Association of State registers and looking inside. Energy Officials. Knowing how Anything inside the duct manufactured homes are built helps us understand will restrict airflow, so check where we can seal in savings around the house. that it is free and clear. Use a mirror and flashlight to look Damaged or disconnected ducts allow the air you into the duct or take a picture pay to heat escape under the home. by sticking a camera or phone inside and snapping some energy. Some homes can benefit from shots with flash in each direction. I’ve additional insulation in the attic or pulled all kinds of things out of ducts under the floor. Those projects typically over the years, from garbage to toys to require specialized equipment or help shoes. from a professional. If you have a double wide or triple Weatherization assistance programs, wide, you will likely have a crossover like Wisconsin’s Home Energy Plus duct, which joins the ducts in each program, provide discounted and nosection. The crossover duct is typically cost energy-saving upgrades. Check a large flexible duct with an inner with your county or electric cooperative liner, insulation, and an outer cover or visit energyandhousing.wi.gov for to protect the insulation. Damaged or more information. disconnected crossover ducts allow the air you pay to heat escape under Miranda Boutelle writes on energy the home. Often, damage is done by efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. animals chewing or scratching to get

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MY CO-OP

JOIN US FOR THE 87TH ANNUAL MEETING

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, 2024. The nomination form is available on our website at www.ecec.com under the “Community” tab. The award recipient will be honored at our 87th Annual Meeting on March 19, 2024.

au Claire Energy Cooperative’s mission is to provide safe and reliable energy to our members. Equally important is our dedication to upholding the seven cooperative principles. This is what sets us apart from other utilities. Our commitment to serving the long-term interests of our local communities is what we strive for. Members are an essential part of that. Eau Claire Energy Cooperative is uniquely positioned to bring together member-owners at our annual meeting. As a member-owner, you have a valuable perspective. The annual meeting is a great place to share your perspective, learn more about your cooperative, and hear how ECEC works to serve you. Co-op leaders will discuss accomplishments and challenges over the last year, ECEC’s ﬁnancial health, and priorities for coming years. This is important to keep informed about because your dollars are used to fund projects that impact the reliability and affordability of your energy service, and programs available to you are reinvested in the communities served by ECEC. Eau Claire Energy Cooperative values your input to inform decisions for the future, ensuring that every energy bill you pay contributes to better service and reliability for the entire community. If you have never attended ECEC’s annual meeting, or if it’s been a while, please stop by! Mark your calendar for the 87th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 19, at 5 p.m. at the Florian Gardens, 2340 Lorch Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with co-op employees, participate in ten $100 giveaways, and enjoy dinner following the meeting.

www.ecec.com February 2024

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45th Annual

February 16 - 18 Chippewa Valley Expo Center 5150 Old Mill Plaza, Eau Claire

Join Eau Claire Energy Cooperative for

Family Day Sunday, February 18 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Bird house & toolbox building, mascot dance off, balloon artist & more!

Pre-sale Tickets: $8 At the Door: $10 Children 12 & under are free Pre-sale tickets available at Festival Foods, Menards & Green Oasis Jan 15 - Feb 15

Over 100 Vendors • Educational Seminars Friday & Saturday Beer & Wine Tasting Friday Evening • Daily Plant Sale Dream Backyard Grand Giveaway • Scavenger Hunt with $100 Daily Cash Prize

1ST CHOICE PEST SOLUTIONS

Est. 1978

For more information: 16

www.cvhomebuilders.com

(715) 835-2526

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MY CO-OP

www.ecec.com February 2024

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CASH IN

ON INCENTIVES IN 2024

s you shop in the new year, looking for energy-efﬁcient appliances will help reduce electricity use and save you money. Many home devices have electric options, and Eau Claire Energy Cooperative offers incentives for many energy-efﬁcient purchases. Eau Claire Energy Cooperative members have the opportunity to receive incentives from both Focus on Energy and Eau Claire Energy Cooperative. With double the opportunities comes double the possibilities. Members can visit www.ecec.com or call 715-8366467 for valuable information about Eau Claire Energy Cooperative incentives and visit www.focusonenergy.com or call 800-762-7077 about Focus on Energy incentives. Eligibility criteria for each category

are listed directly on all incentive forms. To receive an incentive, the member must purchase a qualifying item, complete the incentive form, and return the form and required documentation to the cooperative within three months of purchase or installation. Equipment must be installed within Eau Claire Energy Cooperative service territory and, in most cases, be ENERGY STAR® rated. Some items must be enrolled in Eau Claire Energy Cooperative’s load management program to qualify. “It seems counterintuitive to ask members to use less of what we’re trying to sell, but this is the Cooperative

Difference,” Eric Muller, member services associate, said. “We work hard to keep electricity rates stable and affordable for members, but the cheapest kilowatt-hour is the one that’s not used. We want to encourage energy efficiency without sacrificing member comfort and convenience.” Even though 2024 has begun, members who made a qualifying energy-efficient purchase in 2023 are still eligible for 2023 rebates as long as all documentation is submitted within three months of the purchase or installation date, as specified on the incentive form.

Please stop by our office at 8214 US Hwy 12, Fall Creek, WI 54742, or call 715-836-1603 for more details.

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

Monica Obrycki, President and CEO Taylor Skibba, Marketing and Communications Coordinator 18

Lobby Hours: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday–Thursday; 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Friday Non-emergencies: 715-832-1603 Emergencies & outages: Toll FREE 800-927-5090 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Diggers Hotline: 811 or 1-800-242-8511 Call 3 working days before you dig.

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POWERING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

IN COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE

FOR NEARLY

A CENTURY,

electric cooperatives have been essential to the economic vitality and overall quality of life in communities nationwide. America’s electric cooperatives made modern living in rural America possible. In the early 1930s, nearly 90% of American farms lacked electricity. Thanks to cooperatives, by the early 1950s, more than 90% of America’s farms enjoyed the benefits of co-op-provided power. Today, electric cooperatives power over 21.5 million businesses, homes, schools, and farms in 48 states.

Electric cooperatives are now repeating history by delivering affordable, reliable broadband service—deemed a “modern-day necessity” by the Federal Communications Commission. This new service creates new ways to live, learn, and earn in sparsely populated areas. Today, co-ops deliver broadband service to 675,000 homes and constitute the fastestgrowing group of broadband providers, infusing new economic opportunities to America’s rural communities. Simply put, electric cooperatives continue to have a significant impact on the nation’s economy. According to a new economic study, they contributed $554 billion to U.S. gross domestic product between 2018 and 2022 for an average of $111 billion annually.

Electric cooperatives generated an average of nearly 623,000 jobs annually for Americans nationwide for the same five-year period, providing $51 billion in pay and benefits. By comparison, FedEx, the nation’s fifth largest private employer, directly employs 547,000 workers worldwide.

Electric Cooperatives Generated

623,000 JOBS nationwide from 2018-2022

Since electric cooperatives serve 92% of the nation’s “persistent poverty counties,” the co-op contribution to local economies is particularly critical. Between 2018 and 2022, electric co-ops collectively returned $7 billion to their members, further benefitting the communities they serve.

Electric Cooperatives Returned

$7 BILLION

in dividends 2018-2022

Much of the economic impact can be traced to investments electric cooperatives made in the nation’s infrastructure. Between 2018 and 2022, these investments totaled nearly $409 billion nationwide, including $75 billion in capital expenses, $304 billion in operational costs, and $24 billion toward maintenance activities.

Electric Cooperatives Invested

$409 BILLION in the nation’s infrastructure

These investments are also being used to enhance the grid’s reliability and hasten energy innovation and the deployment of renewable energy. Electric cooperatives own more than 1.6 GW of renewable capacity and have long-term power purchase agreements for another 9.8 GW. Using federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and two sustainability bonds totaling $800 million issued by the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation since 2020, electric cooperatives are poised to expand their efforts to responsibly meet tomorrow’s energy needs.

The economic benefits of electric cooperatives underscore the ingenuity of the cooperative model—consumerowned, communityfocused, non-profit organizations working to power and empower communities across the nation. —Jim Matheson, CEO of National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and Andrew Don, CEO of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation

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BRIGHT,

CITRUSY,

ORANGE Honey Citrus Glazed Carrots Recipe and photo courtesy of the National Honey Board.

1 Tbsp butter or margarine 4 cups carrots, sliced 1/4 cup honey 1/2 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 tsp orange zest, minced 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper In large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add sliced carrots and sauté for several minutes. Add honey, chicken broth, orange juice, and orange zest. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until carrots are cooked and liquid is thick. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 4.

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RECIPES

Pecan Orange Slaw Recipe and photo courtesy of the National Pecan Shellers Association.

4 small oranges 1 small head of cabbage 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 Tbsp sugar 1/2 tsp salt

Peel oranges and cut into small pieces. Shred cabbage and combine with orange pieces and pecans. In a separate small bowl, mix remaining ingredients together, pour over slaw, and toss lightly. Cover and refrigerate approx. 20–30 minutes before serving.

Chicken Breasts with Spicy Honey-Orange Glaze Recipe and photo courtesy of the National Honey Board.

1/4 cup honey 2 Tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed 1 tsp orange zest, grated 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 tsp salt 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 1 Tbsp butter or margarine 1/2 tsp vegetable oil Fresh parsley or green onions (optional garnish) In a small bowl, combine honey with juice concentrate, orange zest, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Rinse chicken breasts with cold water and pat dry. Season chicken lightly with salt, to taste. In a large non-stick skillet, heat butter or margarine and oil over medium-high heat; add chicken and cook approx. 4 minutes, until seared. Turn chicken; cook another 4 minutes until just cooked through. Pour honey mixture over chicken and cook, turning chicken to coat as sauce begins to thicken, approx. 2 minutes. Serve chicken breasts with honey-orange glaze spooned over the top. Serves 4.

Banana Orange Muffins Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wheat Foods Council.

1/2 cup orange juice, unsweetened 1 Tbsp grated orange peel 2 Tbsp canola oil 2 large eggs 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (approx. 2 medium) 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup firmly-packed brown sugar 2 cups quick-cooking oats 1 cup whole wheat flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine first 6 ingredients in a large mixing bowl; stir well. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, oats, flour, baking powder, salt, and nuts (optional). Combine with liquid ingredients and mix slightly until dry ingredients are moistened. Spray muffin cups with non-stick spray and fill 3/4 full. Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 12 muffins.

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READER RECIPES

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

PIZZA CASSEROLE RECIPE COURTESY OF PATRICIA JOHNSON, WARRENS

SAUSAGE POTATO CASSEROLE

1 lb hamburger 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped 1/2 cup onion, chopped 2 (10.75 oz) cans tomato soup SEND TO: WECN, Reader Recipes, 1 (4 oz) can mushrooms 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 (optional) Middleton, WI 53562-2200 1/2 tsp garlic salt or jennifer@weca.coop 1/2 tsp oregano 1/2 tsp onion salt 6–8 oz noodles of choice, cooked 1/4 lb grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese

RECIPE COURTESY OF AGNES ZWIJACZ, GILLETT

REQUESTS FROM OUR READERS An online reader is looking for your favorite bean soup recipes.

Brown together the hamburger, pepper, and onion; add tomato soup, mushrooms (if using), and seasonings. Put the cooked noodles into a prepared 9-x13-inch pan. Pour the meat mixture over the top. Top with grated cheese and bake at 350 degrees for approx. 35 minutes.

BROCCOLI RICE CHICKEN CASSEROLE RECIPE COURTESY OF SHARON LITKE, POUND 1/4 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 lb mushrooms, sliced 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup 1/2 cup milk 1 (10 oz) pkg frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained 2 cups cooked white rice 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into pieces 1 cup processed cheese (such as Velveeta), cut into cubes 1 stick butter, melted Paprika, to taste 1 (8 oz) pkg shredded cheddar cheese Sauté celery, onion, and mushrooms in oil until tender crisp; stir in soup and milk. In a 9-x13-inch baking dish, place broccoli, cooked rice, chicken, and processed cheese cubes. Stir in soup mixture, pour melted butter over the top, and sprinkle with paprika and cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbling.

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

1 lb pork sausage 1 (10.5 oz can) cream of mushroom soup 3/4 cup milk 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 3 cups raw potatoes, sliced 1/4 stick butter 1/2 lb grated cheese of choice Brown sausage; drain. Mix soup, milk, onion, salt, and pepper together. In a large casserole dish, layer half of the potatoes, soup mixture, and sausage. Repeat layers and end with sausage layer on top; dot with butter. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours. Sprinkle with grated cheese and return to oven until melted.

CHICKEN CHOW MEIN CASSEROLE RECIPE COURTESY OF LINDA WENDT, OCONTO FALLS 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery soup 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup 1-1/2 to 2 cups milk 10 oz Chow Mein noodles 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed Mix all Ingredients into a casserole dish bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

DUTCH COOKBOOK BRY RECIPE COURTESY OF LEE LEHRER, IOLA 5 cups hot water 2 cups pork cracklins 2 Tbsp salt 1-1/2 tsp allspice 1 heaping Tbsp vegetable shortening 3 cups white flour 2-1/2 to 3 cups buckwheat or rye flour Honey, to taste Bring water to a boil. Add cracklins, salt, allspice, and shortening. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Add both flours slowly; turn off heat and mix well. The mixture should be stiff. Place into a 9-x9-inch floured pan; press firmly. Cool and refrigerate. To serve, slice, fry, and serve with honey.

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EAU CLAIRE AND SNOWSHOES MAKE A WINNING COMBINATION CITY TO HOST U.S. NATIONAL SNOWSHOE CHAMPIONSHIPS

ave you ever imagined yourself competing for a national title in your favorite sport? Or in any sport, for that matter? Very few people get a chance to participate in a national championship of any kind in their lifetime. However, this month you can join the very best in a national championship competition when the 2024 USA National Snowshoe Championships come to Eau Claire February 10–11. The championships will be held at Lowes Creek County Park on Eau Claire Energy Cooperative’s lines, and anyone can register for any of the races that will be part of the event. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll

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be running right alongside the very best. Some very fast, skilled snowshoers from all over the country are expected to compete for the national title and an opportunity to participate in the World Snowshoe Championships later this year in Spain. Unless you’re of the same level, all you might see of these elite athletes are their backs as they whisk to the ﬁnish line. However, a unique aspect of the national snowshoe championships is that the races are open to anyone who wants to participate, with no prior qualiﬁcation necessary. Membership in the U.S. Snowshoe Association is required for the National Championship races, but recreation-level snowshoers who have no

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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WISC NSIN FAVORITES

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Snowshoe Association

thoughts of winning are welcome to participate in the event’s open 5K race without an association membership. There will even be some snowshoes on hand for beginners who have no gear of their own to use. “This is a national championships, but it truly is an event for all types of people, and we get all levels of people and all ages of people every single year,” said Jackie Hering, director of the United States Snowshoe Association, Inc. (USSSA)

and last year’s Women’s National Champion. “Ages run from 7-yearolds in the kids race all the way up to the Super Masters National Championship where they do a 5K, and the ages in that race range from 70 to 85. So we have all ages and abilities. Every person who even walks on their snowshoes can come and participate.” Those who aren’t interested in racing can come to simply take in the competition, both amateur and

elite; spend an afternoon outdoors in one of Eau Claire’s many beautiful parks; and enjoy some old-fashioned winter fun. “The goal of this event is to create kind of a winter carnival atmosphere—just a big winter gathering,” Hering said. “We’re going to have ﬁre pits, we’ll be roasting marshmallows, and just providing a good winter space for people to get out, see other people, and be active.” wecnmagazine.com

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Enjoy a

WINTER WONDERLAND at

LOWES CREEK COUNTY PARK

f you can’t make it to Lowes Creek County Park in Eau Claire for the Snowshoe National Championships, don’t worry! The weekend of February 10-11 is not the only chance to enjoy a winter outing in this beautiful 250-acre park, located just a couple of miles south of the City of Eau Claire. Lowes Creek County Park has 13 miles of twisting single-track trails that are popular for mountain biking both in summer and in winter, and there are trails available for every level of biker, beginning to advanced. These trails are also open to snowshoers. In addition, the park has five miles of double-track trails that are groomed for cross-country skiing. And of course, there’s much to enjoy at Lowes Creek County Park without any special equipment at all. Trails cut through heavy woods and alongside a trout stream that flows through the park, providing beautiful scenery for a peaceful walk through the winter woods. Parking is available at both the west entrance (5238 South Lowes Creek Road) and the east entrance (5530 Fairview Drive). Parking passes are required for park use, with proceeds going toward trail development. Parking passes are available at eccountyparks.com. For more information and downloadable maps, visit corbatrails.org.

Photos of Lowes Creek County Park, here and on the opposite page, are courtesy of Megan Zabel Holmes/Visit Eau Claire

Local Support Helping to create that festive winter

atmosphere are the Visit Eau Claire Sports Commission and the Chippewa Valley Off Road Bicycle Association (CORBA), which are partnering with the U.S. Snowshoe Association in hosting the championships. Visit Eau Claire, Hering said, has been the driving force behind bringing the championships back to Eau Claire, where they were last held in 2015. “Eau Claire is a perfect city to host Snowshoe Nationals,” Hering said in a media release announcing Eau Claire as the 2024 site. “There are activities and entertainment for everyone and an excellent trail system for the races. The location is great for the Midwest snowshoeing community and we are looking forward to having a whole weekend of winter fun.” CORBA, a volunteer-based organization dedicated to building, improving, maintaining, and promoting multi-use

trails in the Chippewa Valley, is overseeing the facilities and race logistics. “CORBA is in charge of all the trails,” Hering said. “They’re doing all the trail work, managing all of the volunteers, and doing the timing. They are a huge part of this.” Lowes Creek County Park is just one of 10 shared-use trail systems CORBA maintains. The park has more than 13 miles of single-track mountain-biking trails that are also used for snowshoeing. These are the trails on which the national championship 10K, 5K, half-marathon, and 2.5K relay courses are set. Festivities will begin on the Friday before race days with a late-afternoon run/walk through part of the course, led by a USSSA representative, with an athlete reception to follow. Saturday’s lineup features a full schedule of events, starting with the Men’s and Women’s 10K National

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WISC NSIN FAVORITES

Championship races, with the top five finishers making up the U.S. National Team. The afternoon is filled with the 5K Middle School, High School, and Collegiate National Championship races, with the top three finishers at each level comprising the national team; a kilo race for youth age 10 and under; and the open 5K Snowshoe Run/Walk and Super Masters National Championship races. The Half Marathon National Championship and 2.5K Snowshoe Relay are held on Sunday. Regardless of the race or the results, everyone at this national championships wins. —Mary Erickson The U.S. Snowshoe National Championships will be held February 10-11 at Lowes Creek County Park at 5238 S. Lowes Creek Rd., Eau Claire, WI 54701. For more information, including registration information and course maps with spectator viewing spots, visit ussnowshoe.com. You can also learn more by contacting Visit Eau Claire at visiteauclaire.com or 715-831-2345.

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February 2024

1/16/24 10:59 AM

CLASSIFIEDS Miscellaneous WANTED: Paying cash for WWII flags, daggers, swords, guns, etc. Also, lever-action rifles. 715-340-1974. WANTED: DEER TAGS, BACK TAGS. Trapping, bear, hunting licenses. Otter, fisher, bobcat tags, party permits, old traps. 715255-9284 David Schober, W4234 Rock Creek Rd., Loyal, WI 54446. CHAINSAWS WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE. Buying 1 or 100 McCulloch, Pioneer, Jonsereds, Echo, STIHL, Homelite, Remington, Mall. Buying all brands and sizes. Non-running, running, siezed, parts. Let me know what you have - will travel. Call Chainsaw Mike at 715-828-9414. OLD MOVIES TO DVD / FD - Pro transferring 8mm, VHS, slides, audio, and all formats. Saving memories! DVD Productions Gene 715-827-2302. BEAVER TRAPS FOR SALE. Also, muskrat, mink, and fox traps. Stretchers for all of them. 715-563-6658. FAMOUS ORIGINAL VINTAGE RECORD ALBUMS in covers. List available. Jane 715-333-5796. STEP-IN SHOWER—Transforms your existing tub into a safe step-in shower in just one day. Call 608-726-0769. COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR ANTIQUE OR HAND-MADE LARGE TRAPS. 715563-6658 For sale: smaller trapping traps, lever-action rifles from 1800’s.

HOT WHEELS WANTED. 1968-1976. Large or small collections. Call for cash offer. 608-314-6890. WANTED: COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR VINTAGE SPORTS CARDS 1986 or older. 608-343-3503.

Plants & Shrubs HARDWOOD AND CONIFER SEEDLINGS AND TRANSPLANTS. Thousands available, Oaks, Maples, Hybrid Poplar, Hickory, Milkweed, Alder, Dogwoods, Elderberry, Cranberry, Balsam, Fraser Fir, Spruce, Pine, Cedar, fall food plot and grafted apple trees too, large bareroot shade trees including Autumn Blaze. Check us out on the web at www.paintcreeknursery.com, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube also. Paint Creek Nursery, Cadott, WI 715-723-2072. MAY THE FOREST BE WITH YOU! We have evergreens, deciduous, flowering shrubs, crabapples, apples, pears, peaches, apricots, cherries, plums, currants, gooseberries, honeyberries, blueberries, grapes, raspberries, strawberries, asparagus, lilacs, bareroot shade trees, balled & burlapped shade trees, products for planting and plant protection. Woodstock Nursery Garden & Landscape Center, W6291 State Hwy 95, Neillsville, WI 54456. 888-803-8733. www. wallace-woodstock.com

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It can be a challenge turning an area that wasn’t built for office needs into a safe working space. Whether you have a full-time remote office or just a corner of the house where you catch up on work from time to time, make sure that area is safe. l

You might have more office equipment to plug in than your room has outlets for. Resist the temptation to overload your outlets. Remember: Extension cords are not the answer. They should only be used on a temporary basis.

Avoid running cords where they will be a tripping hazard, and control cord clutter with Velcro strips or cord management systems.

Be sure your combustible papers aren’t piling up near a heat source.

Help keep your home’s Wi-Fi network secure by turning on your wireless router’s encryption setting, creating a strong Wi-Fi password and changing it often, and keeping your router up to date.

geri@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—Classifieds, Attn. Jennifer, 6405 Century Ave., Ste. 102, Middleton, WI 53562. Ph: 608-467-4638. Email jennifer@weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads.

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KEEP YOUR HOME OFFICE SAFE & SECURE

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February 2024

1/9/24 10:28 AM

WISCONSIN EVENTS 3 Euchre Tournament—Eleva. Town of Pleasant Valley Community Center, 4:30–10 p.m. Entry fee $10 per person. Cash prizes for top 3 winners. 50/50 drawing, food available for dine-in or take-out. Euchre play starts at 6 p.m. 7 Lions/Red Cross Blood Drive—Iola. IolaScandinavia Aquatic & Fitness Center, 12–5 p.m. Call 1-800-REDCROSS to pre-register. Walk-ins may be accepted. 9 Valentine’s Candlelight Snowshoe Hike (21+)—Fall Creek. Beaver Creek Reserve, 6–9 p.m. Ages 21+ only. ID’s checked at door. Early session 6–7:30 p.m.; late session: 7:30–9 p.m. Cost for BCR members is $12, nonmembers $15. Explore trails lit by candles and moonlight. Enjoy a campfire, hot chocolate, and champagne when done. Snowshoe rental $3 or bring your own. Register by Wed., Feb. 7. No walkins. If there’s not enough snow, hiking will be available and will be decided by staff on the day of the event. To register, call 715-877-2212. 10 Jig’s Up—Chippewa Falls. The View on Lake Wissota, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Scheels Kids Klub fishing event at 12 p.m. Participants may register one fish per $25 ticket. Over $80,000 in cash and prizes, including a 2-year lease on a Ford F150 truck! Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. For more info call 715-836-3377. 10 Bald Eagle Nest Watch Training—Fall Creek. Beaver Creek Reserve, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. You must be a registered Bald Eagle Nest Watch volunteer to attend this training. This training is virtual, via Zoom. No (virtual) walkins. Free for all. For more info, call 715-877-2212. 13 Mardi Gras Pancake Supper—Cable. United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 5–7 p.m. Free-will offerings at the door will fund scholarships for graduating seniors in the Drummond Area School District. 715-798-3066. 16, 23 Friday Fish Fry—Rosholt. St. Adalbert Parish, 4–7:30 p.m. Large raffle weekly. For take-out orders, call 715-677-4518. Questions, call 715592-4416.

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February 2024 17 Northern Pines Sled Dog Race—Iron River. Northern Pines Golf and Event Center, all-day. Sprint and middistance races start with a thrilling downhill dash, sweeping through the picturesque golf course before entering the captivating Bayfield County Trail system and Tri-County Corridor. 17 Wild Game Feed—Camp Douglas. Almost Home Bar & Grill, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Basket raffles. Food served from 11 a.m. until food is gone. Email cliftonsportsmensclub@gmail.com for more info. 17 Ice Fishing Contest—Holcombe. Lake Holcombe Pond, 12–3 p.m. The Lake Holcombe Lions is encouraging all children to get out and fish because the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd largest fish registered in each of two categories wins money for their school. Food, raffles, lots of prizes, and fun. Lake Holcombe Pond is located north of Phat Bob’s. 17 Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner—Osseo. Elk Creek Lutheran Church of Hale, 12:30–5 p.m. Reserved tickets only; available by calling 715-694-2181. 17–18 Wilderness First Aid Course— Babcock. Sandhill Wildlife Area, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., both days. Learn skills to respond effectively to emergencies in remote outdoor environments. A valid CPR/AED certification is required to participate. The $200 registration fee includes lodging accommodations only, no meals. 715-527-8096. 18 Fun on the Frozen Flambeau Ice Fishing Contest—Tony. Leonhard’s Landing, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Located at the Dairyland Reservoir, off Leonhard Lane in Tony. For more info, call 715-403-0316. 18 Smelt / Catfish Dinner—Melrose. North Bend Lions Club building, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. or until food is gone. Pies and a 50/50 raffle will also be available. 20, 21 Bird Banding 101—Fall Creek. Beaver Creek Reserve. Feb. 20 at the Citizen Science Center/Beaver Den and Feb. 21 in the Woodland Room at the Wise Nature Center, 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. both days. Learn bird banding and become part

of the Reserve’s bird banding crew. The cost is $70 and $40 for students. Registration and full payment required by Feb. 14. To register, call 715-8772212. 24 Deer Butchering Workshop—Babcock. Sandhill Wildlife Area, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Learn skills in processing and preparing venison and get tips on hanging a deer at home and storing your venison. Come prepared to help skin, quarter, cut, trim, and package. All supplies will be provided and you’ll go home with venison. Class limit 20, cost is $10. Preregistration required 715-527-8096. 24 Vintage Snowmobile Show—Fall Creek. Brackett Bar, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Registration 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Lunch and rafﬂes throughout the day. Awards at 2 p.m. for sleds and wearing the best vintage attire, and a drawing for prizes including a restored 1969 Ski-Doo Olympic. 715-559-0523. 24 Winter Candlelight Hike—Babcock. Sandhill Wildlife Area Outdoor Skill Center, 5:30–8 p.m. Snowshoe rental available or bring your own. Free. Preregistration required 715-527-8096. 24 Snowmobile Event—Wilton. Community Center, 7–10 p.m. Rafﬂes, door prizes, food, and beverages with ticket and $5. Tickets available at door. 608-372-9050.

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

Wisconsin Events is a public service for our readers. Due to space limits, we may need to eliminate details, so be sure to include a phone number (with area code) where callers may obtain more info. If we receive more listings than space allows us to print, we reserve the right to select those we believe will be of interest to the greatest number of readers. Please no virtual events. Events can also be mailed to: WECN, Events, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102, Middleton, WI 53562-2200. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the event is to appear.

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1/12/24 3:49 PM

YOUNG MEMBERS

Kids and Critters January 2024 1. Leah and her feline friend both like to sit on Grandpa’s restored 1963 John Deere. Photo submitted by Grandma Mary Oldendorf, a member of Riverland Energy. 2. Lily helps at feeding time. Photo submitted by Kim Garrison, a member of Scenic Rivers Energy. 3. Jovie and Greta get ready to play with some ducklings. Photo submitted by Katie and Jake Maske, members of Price Electric.

Upload photos directly to wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab.

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

WINTER SAFETY WORD SEARCH Read the safety tips below, then find and circle the bolded words in the puzzle.

• Never overload electrical outlets with too many electronics. • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month. • Never leave a candle burning in an empty room. • Keep flammable items at least three feet away from a space heater. • Extension cords should only be used temporarily. Damaged or frayed cords should be thrown away.

A P I R P A J G F W D C Q T W U L B S G W N N P T S A T A T R L A Y P J I U Q P Q N G E O C T W R Y J D X A R X D B L Z J F T P M K G C I B T L T C F X B K Y Z S E M B Q G E B D B G B W B Z H K T Z H J H R M X C V X J E B X S X B Q C K V A V I M A B O K A T C S I K F E X Y T Q Y K J S F N Q V T J W L E V J A N V U W C B A P A W R T R E L E C T R O N I C S O W Z B K R Y X S B V A Q O U E S D R O C N O I S N E T X E P I F J R W K J B Q P U B D T Z wecnmagazine.com

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DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 4/30/2024. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months $0 money down, $0 monthly payments, 0% interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 2/1/2024 and 4/30/2024. 40% off windows and entry/patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Additional $150 off your purchase, minimum purchase of 4 required, taken after initial discount(s), when you purchase by 4/30/2024. Subject to credit approval. Interest is billed during the promotional period, but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid before the expiration of the promotional period. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. CA License CLSB #1050316. Central CA License #1096271. License #RCE50303. FL License #CGC1527613. OR License #198571. WA License #RENEWAP877BM. WA License #RENEWAW856K6. All other license numbers available upon request. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. ‡Review aggregator survey of 5-star reviews among leading full service window replacement companies. December 2022 Reputation. †It is the only warranty among top selling window companies that meets all of the following requirements: easy to understand terms, unrestricted transferability, installation coverage, labor coverage, geographically unrestricted, coverage for exterior color, insect screens and hardware, and no maintenance requirement. Visit renewalbyandersen.com/ nationsbest for details. 2Values are based on comparison of Renewal by Andersen® double-hung window U-Factor to the U-Factor for clear dual-pane glass nonmetal frame default values from the 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code “Glazed Fenestration” Default Tables. 3Based on testing of 10 double-hung units per ASTM E2068 20 years after installation.”Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of their respective owners. © 2024 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. RBA13747 *Using U.S. and imported parts.

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