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CONTENTS March 2024 Vol. 84 No. 9
10 Portable Power
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.
How some EVs can step up when the lights go out.
Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200. Steve Freese, president & CEO.
10
14 Spring Cleaning Tips
Maximize efficiency while cleaning.
USPS number: 688-480. Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200.
24
24 Wisconsin Favorites
Follow the Mural Brick Road in Ashland County.
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.
31
Join us on
On the cover: The Lumberjack Mural, located on 4th Avenue West in Ashland, immortalizes some of the faces from the lumberjack camp era of Northern Wisconsin.
4
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
6
NEWS BRIEFS
8
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
15 MY CO-OP 20 RECIPES 22 READER RECIPES 28 CLASSIFIEDS 30 EVENTS
Please recycle wecnmagazine.com
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March 2024
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2/14/24 3:26 PM
SYMBOL SEARCH HIDDEN OBJECT GAME
Finding our February symbol was Lois Coleman, a member of Oconto Electric Cooperative. Lois said, “WOW I finally found one. YAHOOOOO! The orange is on page 6 on the cover of a magazine on the table.” Now, we challenge you to find this sponge, to help jump start your spring cleaning. Remember that the symbol can be anywhere and any size. One randomly selected winner will receive a Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News kitchen kit. One entry per household, please, and provide your permanent home or mailing address with your entry. Send entries by March 12.
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
FAMILIAR FACE, FAMILIAL STORY
W
hile working on this month’s Wisconsin Favorites story about the murals of Ashland County, I learned that one of the faces captured in paint is a familiar face in Wisconsin’s electric cooperative circles. Paul Rose served for 37 years as a board director at Price Electric Cooperative. A lifelong resident of Butternut, he was a dairy farmer and later worked for the township until he retired. While interviewing 89-year-old Rose for the story, he mentioned that he was previously featured in this publication, formerly known as the Wisconsin REC News. Sure enough, I found the story and cover image of him and his grandson, Corey, in our January 1995 edition. The story captured the “generations of music” in the Paul Rose Polka Band. The band at the time comprised four generations, Paul being the oldest and Corey being the youngest of four relatives. When we spoke, Paul methodically named off uncles, cousins, brothers, children, grandchildren, etc., and their instruments of choice in the band through the years. He primarily focused on the family, and the music and stories of his time on the road fell second. “It was all big families, and they were all musically inclined—all had music in them,” said Rose. He also credits his wife, who, when the entire family was on the road, stayed back to milk 50 cows every weekend. While Paul may be immortalized on a mural, it’s his time with family doing what he loved that he truly treasures.
Dana Kelroy Editor
Good luck! 4
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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NEWS BRIEFS Home Energy Rebates Programs Coming Soon
Baldwin, Green, Shankland Honored
The Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association recently presented Champion of Electric Cooperative Awards to U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), and Wisconsin State Representatives Chanz Green (R-Grand View) and Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) for their support of Wisconsin electric cooperatives. Baldwin played a key role in the 2019 passage of the SECURE Act, which saved co-ops tens of billions of dollars in pension insurance premiums and supported directpay incentives for co-ops to deploy new energy technologies. She advocated for funding for Washington Island Electric Cooperative when the underwater power cable suffered catastrophic damage and has fought for broadband funding for rural areas. In his first term in office, Green has already been instrumental in his work for Wisconsin electric cooperatives. He co-authored the bill to allow electric cooperatives to operate ATVs and UTVs on state highways in certain conditions, which has now been signed into law. Shankland has been an advocate for electric cooperatives on key issues, including authoring legislation on wild parsnip, which poses an exposure danger to line crews in the field. In 2017, Shankland led the charge advocating for changes to the law relating to the placement of sexually violent persons after a designated placement near the Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative, where children are often present.
Sheffield Brings Leadership Message to co-op meeting
Wisconsin Badgers volleyball team Head Coach Kelly Sheffield was the featured speaker at WECA’s Education and Lobby Days. Under Sheffield, Wisconsin women’s volleyball has had unrivaled success including four Final Fours and a 2021 NCAA Championship. Sheffield, speaking with much humility, talked about the importance of good communication, positive thinking, and taking accountability as a leader. “I think leaders have to have that mindset that if the group isn’t where you want them to be, that is your fault rather than their fault. And that’s something that we try to get our captains to embrace, our seniors to embrace, and our coaches to embrace,” Sheffield said.
6
Sheffield said the greatest teams are those that demonstrate consistency and are an example of excellence year after year.
New Maps Change Districts
The maps which designate the voting districts for Wisconsin lawmakers will soon be revised. The state Supreme Court ruled the maps are unconstitutional. Political analysts agree they favor Republicans. The court says new maps must be in place by mid-March because candidates begin filing for office April 15. Several proposals are up for consideration, and the legislature and Governor Tony Evers could select new maps, if they can agree. For voters, redistricting means incumbent lawmakers, voting districts, and designated polling places will change in some areas of the state.
Wisconsin’s Home Energy Rebates programs, which will offer rebates for a variety of electric appliances and efficiency upgrades, are getting closer to implementation. Wisconsin has been allocated $149 million for Home Energy Rebates through the Federal Inflation Reduction Act. Focus on Energy recently gathered public feedback on the program. There will be two program offerings— including a home energy efficiency rebate program—and an instant discount program for efficient electric appliance and home upgrades. The launch date will be announced once the final details of the program are in place.
2024 PAC Fundraiser a Success
The fundraising efforts for Wisconsin’s Electric Cooperatives PAC held in connection with Education and Lobby Days brought in the second highest total ever at $15,290, and the most since 2019, which set a record at $17,000. The live auction this year brought in $10,775. The live auction item that earned the highest bid was a hand-made wooden bucket truck, donated by Riverland Energy Cooperative. The online silent auction brought in a record $2,125, eclipsing last year’s record by more than 50%.
IEA: U.S. Electric Demand Expected to Grow 1.5%
Electricity usage in the United States is expected to increase 1.5% per year from 2024 through 2026, according to a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). This is a rebound from last year, when electricity use was down 1.6% due to mild weather, strikes in the manufacturing sector, and inflationary pressures. The report also says the IEA expects global electricity use will surge 3.4% a year in the next three years, driven by growth in China and other emerging markets. Meanwhile, the report predicts that wind and solar production in the U.S. will outpace coal-fired generation for the first time in 2024 as more coal plants are retired.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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MESSAGE from the CEO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES ENGAGE LEGISLATORS AT THE STATE CAPITOL
E
very time I witness electric cooperative members ready to engage their elected officials, it reminds me of a famous and often quoted phrase by the 20th-century anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, Steve Freese it’s the only thing that ever has.” President and CEO This powerful statement doesn’t just express who we are today. It defines how electric cooperatives got started in the first place with the passage of the Rural Electrification Act in the mid-1930s. Back then, small groups of farmers and rural folks took it upon themselves to come together and organize to provide electricity to themselves because no one else would. To this day, we are still organized based on our mission of providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to all our consumer-members and improving the quality of life within our communities. Every year, WECA’s electric cooperative members gather in Madison to help remind our state legislators of this mission—telling them who we are, what we do, and what we care about. As a statewide organization, there is no greater effort we can make to influence legislators than to have our members meet face-to-face with them and express our views succinctly and informatively on our key issues. With the legislative session ending soon and some important legislation still waiting to be passed and signed into law, the timing of our visits was critical. In January, I wrote about the Right of First Refusal (ROFR) legislation, Senate Bill 481 and Assembly Bill 470, in this column. ROFR gives incumbent utilities, like Dairyland Power Cooperative, the “right of first refusal” to build long-range transmission projects within their service areas. This legislation will retain Wisconsin’s control over the safety and reliability of our state’s power grid instead of unnecessarily ceding that control to federal regulators. More importantly, our consumer-members can directly benefit from the buildout of these projects because margins realized by the cooperatives can be used to continue building infrastructure, like transmission lines, to support and grow the member-owned cooperative. Or cooperatives can use returns earned from the project to offset future rates for our rural consumer-members. Knowing that our cooperative energy consumers can directly benefit from this made supporting ROFR the top priority for those visiting their state representatives and senators. WECA members also went to the Capitol supporting the retail sale of electricity to charge electric vehicles (EVs). 8
The state has been allocated $78.5 million in federal funds to help build a statewide EV charging network. Still, we need a change in state law that would allow entities like Kwik Trip to sell electricity for charging. We are also promoting the creation of an EV license plate to help first responders quickly identify an EV in the event they must cut it open, extinguish it, or move it. There are particular protocols to be followed when handling an EV in an emergency; this is one more tool in the toolbox to help keep them safe. Because we found success earlier in the session, sometimes you go to the Capitol to simply tell your legislators thank you. Wisconsin Act 64 was signed into law last year, allowing our electric cooperatives to use ATVs/UTVs on roadways to restore and maintain power. The legislature also passed a safety measure allowing our line crews to use green flashing lights on their trucks to increase their visibility with the driving public. Finally, because our cooperatives have a deepseated belief in helping others in the community, we are backing a measure that will expand the presence of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library national reading program in Wisconsin. It will provide grants to participating entities, like our cooperatives, to place high-quality books monthly into the homes of children aged 0-5. Political engagement is not always easy, but it remains a bedrock for the members who make up your statewide electric cooperative association. Building and maintaining relationships with legislators are why we succeed. We might not be changing the world by doing this, but we’re certainly changing the quality of life in our local communities for the better, and that is what makes our efforts all the more worth it.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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FEATURE
PORTABLE POWER: HOW SOME EVS CAN STEP UP WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT
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eated seats? Check. Adaptive cruise control? Check. Bidirectional charging capability? Check. That last option, available on some electric vehicles, goes far beyond the creature comforts made for the road. This one can actually power your home. “The technology that comes with electric vehicles really is remarkable, and we’re just beginning to see the possibilities that can be, in some cases, even life-saving,” said Nate Boettcher, president and CEO of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services. Ellsworth Ambulance Service recently contracted with the co-op’s SwiftCurrent Connect’s electrician services to install a Generac natural gas-powered standby generator for its ambulance building. David Chavie, Pierce Pepin’s energy innovation and operational technology manager, said they had to cut the power to install the transfer switch for the new generator, so they decided to use the co-op’s Ford F150 Lightning to power the building’s essentials like lights, heating, and garage doors, during the interim. “They wanted to ensure a reliable backup electric power source was always available in their building for dispatching of emergency vehicles and personnel,” Chavie said. “We wanted to help ensure community emergency service response was not hampered by this temporary power outage while we installed their standby generator. The F150 Lightning offered the perfect solution.”
Not all EVs have the ability to power homes and buildings in emergency or temporary situations. With the Lightning, you need the option called Intelligent Backup Power, which is used in conjunction with Ford’s Charge Station Pro, and your home or building
must be able to interface with your F-150 Lightning. Once configured correctly, you can use the F-150 Lightning as your main power source for your home during a blackout, providing a serious sense of relief at a time when recent blackout risks have reached all-time highs. “People need power to live, especially those with serious medical conditions who may need electricity to power equipment,” Boettcher said. “Vulnerable populations are also in danger when the power is out during extreme heat or cold. As cooperatives, we come Continued page 12
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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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Chavie says this is only the beginning of bidirectional charging options. “In the near future, many EVs may be capable of providing home backup power as well as ancillary grid services. EV charging is a growing area of electric consumption, but the flexibility of managed charging allows batteries to charge during times when energy is plentiful on the grid,” he said. Anyone looking to purchase an electric vehicle, especially those who want the bidirectional charging option, should do some homework to ensure it will work for you. “We always advise a homeowner to consult a master electrician as well as their electric utility when thinking about installing backup power sources at their home, whether that is a traditional fossil-fuel generator, a battery system, or an electric vehicle. It is very important that proper transfer switches and other safeguards are installed for safe operation,” Chavie said. Other than the Ford F150, some other electric vehicles that offer bidirectional charging (standard or as an option) include:
together and work to restore power as quickly as possible, but having an EV that can electrify a home in these situations is a big added benefit to owning an electric vehicle.” “The Ford Lightning comes equipped with the 9.6 kW Pro Power Onboard System,” Chavie explained. “There are two 120V outlets in the cab, four 120V outlets in the front trunk, four 120V outlets in the bed, and one 240V outlet in the bed. These are used just like you would an outlet in your garage.” There are many options to use bidirectional charging beyond vehicle to home, including vehicle to grid, vehicle to load to power appliances or tools on the go, and vehicle to vehicle, or passing a charge from one car to another, which can help diffuse range anxiety. Pierce Pepin previously used the Lightning as a rolling power source for the Christmas lights on their SwiftCurrent float during the River Dazzle Parade in River Falls. The ambulance project was the first time Pierce Pepin used the Lightning to power a building, but they are already planning to do it again. The co-op’s electrician will be able to use the Lightning to power the utility room lights and furnace when changing out electrical panels. 12
• • • • • • • • • •
Nissan Leaf (2013 and later) Hyundai Ioniq 5 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Kia EV6 Kia Niro Genesis GV60 MG ZS EV MG MG4 Volkswagon ID Buzz Mitsubishi Outlander
Last year, General Motors announced bidirectional charging will be standard in all of its electric vehicles by 2026, and Tesla confirmed all of its EVs will have bidirectional charging by 2025. This will offer another option for power, when it is need most, like it was in Ellsworth. “The use of the EV to power the building was so seamless that we barely noticed the transition from standard electric service to backup power,” said Jessi Willenbring, director of the Ellsworth Area Ambulance Service. “It ensured that we were able to provide uninterrupted emergency care to the community that we serve.” Portable power, the next reality in the evolution of clean transportation.—Julie Lund
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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2/2/24 9:08 12/20/23 9:44AM AM
FEATURE
SPRING CLEANING TIPS
TO MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY Q: What are some energy-saving tasks I can add to my spring cleaning list? A: Spring is a great time to refresh,
clean, and enhance energy efficiency at home. By adopting simple yet effective energy-saving strategies during our spring-cleaning routines, we can create an efficient living environment that may also lower our utility bills and extend the life of our heavily used appliances. Be sure to include these spring cleaning tips to add some energy savings to the job. Even though it’s out of sight, don’t leave it out of mind. Check the filter in your HVAC system. Your furnace worked hard during the winter. Ensuring your system has a clean filter is a low-cost and easy way to protect your equipment and maximize efficiency. A dirty furnace filter can cause your system to work harder than necessary, decreasing efficiency and shortening the system’s life. While the filter is easy to replace yourself, you should have your air conditioning serviced and professionally cleaned. Both the indoor and outdoor units should be cleaned. Dirty refrigerant coils reduce efficiency. This also applies to heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split systems. The technician can check refrigerant levels and refill or repair if necessary. HVAC contractors get busy responding to calls for repairs during the summer heat. Scheduling cleaning services for your air conditioning in the spring—before the heat of the summer—can ensure the work gets done before the rush and even save you money. Some HVAC contractors offer special discounts for cleaning services
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in the milder months, which helps fill their schedules and keep their technicians working. Window AC units can get dirty, too. They can be cleaned with the proper tools, cleaning agents, and know-how. Always unplug it before cleaning, and
put this into everyday use, if you have an LED light on for 10 hours per day, it can last 13 years compared to only about three months for incandescent bulbs and about two-and-a-half years for CFLs. Don’t forget the oven. A clean oven heats more evenly and quickly, providing better results and lower energy use. A clean oven window allows you to see the food and how it’s cooking without opening the oven door, which wastes energy. If cleaning windows is on the list,
Replacing your furnace filter is a low-cost and easy way to protect your equipment and maximize efficiency. While cleaning light fixtures and fixture covers, check your bulbs and replace any incandescent or compact fluorescent with energy-saving LEDs.
wait until it is completely dry before plugging it back in again. Take the time to clean it properly in the spring before you need it in the summer. Cleaning light fixtures and fixture covers can brighten your space by removing dust and grime collected during the winter. While you are at it, be sure to check your bulbs and replace any incandescent or compact fluorescent with energy-saving LEDs. Although they tend to cost a little more, LEDs last longer and use less energy. Good-quality LED light bulbs are expected to last 30,000 to 50,000 hours, according to the Department of Energy. A typical incandescent lamp lasts about 1,000 hours, and a comparable CFL lasts 8,000 to 10,000 hours. To
check the seals and sash locks to ensure they close tightly. Check for any areas that need caulking or sealing to reduce drafts. Sealing around windows contributes to year-round comfort in your home. Clean windows also allow more light into the home, reducing the need to turn on lamps and overhead fixtures. Spring is the ideal time to declutter, deep clean, and implement practices that not only tidy our homes but also reduce energy consumption, contributing positively to our homes’ energy efficiency and saving money on energy use. Miranda Boutelle writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric cooperatives.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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IDENTITY THEFT AWARENESS WEEK:
TIPS FROM DATCP AND DOR
TAX-RELATED IDENTITY THEFT
involves the theft and misuse of your Social Security number (SSN). It generally happens in one of two ways: someone uses your SSN to get a job and their employer reports that person’s income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as if it were yours, or someone uses your SSN to file for your tax refund. You may not even know your identity has been stolen until the IRS informs you of the unreported income or multiple tax return filings. This tax season, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) are here to help. By taking a few proactive steps to keep your personal information private, you can reduce your risk of tax-related identity theft.
“Consumers should protect themselves from identity thieves, who are becoming craftier and more sophisticated every year,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “There are many ways you can take preventative steps to keep your data safe and secure.”
REMEMBER THESE TIPS TO
PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY
THIS TAX SEASON:
• Never store your SSN on any device that may be vulnerable to malware or data theft. •
Install a mailbox lock or have your mail sent to a Post Office (PO) Box to prevent anyone from stealing sensitive information.
• Destroy unneeded documents containing personal information, such as your SSN or IRS account number, using a shredder or similar method. • Sign up for federal and state Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers (IP PINs) to add an extra layer of security to your tax filings.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about identity theft and additional consumer protection resources, visit DATCP’s Consumer Protection web page at ConsumerProtection. wi.gov. DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline can be contacted at (800) 422-7128 or DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov.
“The goal of the PIN program is to keep refunds in the right hands and out of the pockets of fraudsters,” said Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca. “Another important thing to keep in mind about fraud, is that unless you have contacted us first, we never call people without first sending a letter. So, if you are getting a call or a text from us, but you haven’t received a letter from us, that’s a red flag for fraud. We always send letters first.”
IF YOU BELIEVE
you may be the victim of tax-related identity theft, contact DOR by phone or email as soon as possible. If you received a notice from DOR, respond to the contact listed on the notice. If you did not receive a notice or have concerns about the validity of a notice, contact DOR at (608) 2662772 or DORIDTheft@wisconsin.gov. Instructions for reporting tax-related identity theft to the IRS are available on their web page. If you confirm your identity was stolen, immediately inform your bank(s) and creditor(s) of your stolen identity and place a security freeze on your credit report with all three major credit reporting agencies.
wecnmagazine.com
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Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad Recipe and photo courtesy of @DaisyBeet in partnership with USA Rice & The FeedFeed. This brown rice salad is nutritious, easy-to-make, and keeps well in the fridge. Utilizing mostly pantry staples, this recipe stars long-grain brown rice and is both vegan and gluten-free.
WE
ARTICHOKE
HEARTS
SALAD
1 cup long-grain brown rice, U.S.-grown preferred 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 (15 oz) can artichoke hearts 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, diced 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 2 cups cucumber, quartered and sliced 1/2 cup kalamata olives 1/4 cup parsley, chopped Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste LEMON VINAIGRETTE
4 Tbsp lemon juice 1/3 cup olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp maple syrup Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste Cook brown rice according to package instructions. While the rice cooks, drain and rinse chickpeas and artichoke hearts. Cut artichoke hearts in half lengthwise. Chop the remaining vegetables and parsley. Set ingredients aside. In a small jar, combine all the vinaigrette ingredients, plus a shake of salt and pepper. Tightly screw on the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until dressing is creamy and cloudy looking. When rice is done cooking, let cool to room temperature. Add rice to a large mixing bowl and toss with all the vegetables, chickpeas, and parsley, plus a generous shake of salt and pepper. Drizzle 1/3 cup of vinaigrette into the salad and toss to combine. Add more dressing, 1 tablespoon at time, to taste.
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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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RECIPES Green Pasta Puttanesca
Italian Sausage Minestrone
Recipe and photo courtesy of The National Pasta Association. Puttanesca is an Italian classic that comes together in a pinch.
Recipe and photo courtesy of The National Pasta Association, via Suzy Karadsheh of “The Mediterranean Dish” food blog. This soup is loaded with heart-healthy vegetables, Italian sausage, and delicious broth.
1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed 2 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped 5 garlic cloves, roughly chopped 8 oz French green beans, trimmed and cut 12 oz frozen artichoke hearts, thawed 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes 1 tsp dried oregano Small dash salt, to taste Small dash pepper, to taste 6 cups low-sodium beef broth 1/2 cup dry small pasta, such as mini-Farfalle or elbow macaroni 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 cup chopped parsley leaves 7 large fresh basil leaves, torn 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano Spray a nonstick pan with very little oil. Heat the pan on medium-high and brown the Italian sausage until it is fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and celery for 2–3 minutes. Toss in the chopped garlic; sauté for a few more seconds then add the green beans, artichoke hearts, canned tomatoes, dried oregano, and a small dash of salt and pepper. Cook on medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add the cooked sausage and beef broth; stir to combine. Continue to cook on medium-high heat for another 10 minutes. Lower the heat to medium-low; cover and let simmer for another 15 minutes. Uncover to add the pasta, chickpeas, and parsley. Raise the heat back to high and cook uncovered for another 8–9 minutes (pasta should cook to al dente). Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish each with a little Parmigiano Reggiano. Enjoy with a side of your favorite bread. Serves 4.
1/2 tsp anchovy paste 2 cups baby arugula 2 cups baby spinach
4 oz dry spaghetti 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 Tbsp chopped green onions, divided 2 Tbsp capers, chopped 1 (14 oz) can artichokes in water, drained and chopped 3 Tbsp thinly sliced fresh basil 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
Cook pasta according to package directions, drain; reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Heat oil in large skillet set over medium heat; cook garlic and 2 tablespoons green onions until tender and fragrant. Add artichokes, capers, and anchovy paste; cook for 3–5 minutes or until heated through. Toss pasta into skillet along with arugula, spinach, basil, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water until well coated. Sprinkle with remaining green onions and chili flakes (if using). Serves 4. NOTE: Add drained, canned tuna for additional protein, if desired.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe and photo courtesy of The Mushroom Council, via the “Food for my Family” blog. Two classic appetizers combined into one delicious bite!
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, divided 1 cup packed fresh spinach 1 clove garlic, minced 1 Tbsp butter or olive oil 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes 1/4 tsp kosher salt 8 oz cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup sour cream 24 baby portabella mushrooms (cremini), washed, with stems removed Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the spinach leaves into long, thin strips. In a small fry pan, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add in the spinach and cook, stirring frequently, just until wilted. Remove from heat and mix with the chopped artichoke hearts. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sour cream until combined. Add in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, reserving the rest. Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Add in the spinach/ artichoke mixture and stir until combined. Stuff the mushrooms with one heaping tablespoon of the cheese/artichoke mixture, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the mushrooms. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the Parmesan cheese is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm.
wecnmagazine.com
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READER RECIPES ANYTIME CRUSTLESS SPINACH QUICHE RECIPE COURTESY OF MARGARET ANDERSON, GALESVILLE 1 cup onion, chopped 1 tsp minced garlic 1 cup fresh mushrooms, REQUESTS FROM OUR READERS chopped An online reader is looking for spinach recipes. 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 (10 oz) pkg frozen chopped SEND TO: WECN, Reader Recipes, spinach, thawed and drained 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 1 cup cooked ham, chopped Middleton, WI 53562-2200 1 tsp basil or jennifer@weca.coop 1/2 tsp marjoram 1/4 tsp pepper 5 large eggs 3 cups (12 oz) shredded cheese, Italian blend or Monterey Jack works well In a skillet, sauté onion, minced garlic, and mushrooms in olive oil until tender. Add drained spinach, ham, basil, marjoram, and pepper. Let excess moisture evaporate and cool. Beat eggs and add cheese. Blend with cooled spinach mixture. Spread evenly in a quiche dish or 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 40–45 minutes or until a knife blade comes out clean. Spinach mixture can be prepared the day before. Serves 6.
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.
BRATWURST AND NOODLE CASSEROLE RECIPE COURTESY OF JANICE SCHYVINCK, LYNDON STATION 1 lb (approx. 5 links) bratwurst or beer bratwurst 1 (8 oz) pkg wide egg noodles 2 (10.75 oz) cans of cream of mushroom soup 1 cup milk 1 (16 oz) pkg frozen peas and carrots 1 tsp salt 1-1/2 tsp coarse-ground pepper Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grill or cook bratwurst in a baking dish in the oven for 35–40 minutes. Cool slightly and cut into 1/2-inch slices. After bratwurst has been in the oven for 15 minutes, bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook for 8–9 minutes; drain. In a large bowl, whisk the soup and milk until smooth. Add the bratwurst, noodles, peas, carrots, salt, and pepper, and stir well. Transfer mixture to a greased 9-x13-inch casserole dish. Cover and bake for 35–40 minutes. Serve with pumpernickel bread. Serves 8.
BRATWURST HOTDISH BROCCOLI CASSEROLE RECIPE COURTESY OF PEGGY RUSSELL, SANDWICH, ILL 2 (12 oz) pkg frozen broccoli 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese 1/4 to 1/2 cup onions, chopped 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup 2 eggs, well-beaten Salt and pepper, to taste 1 sleeve or more of butter crackers (such as Ritz), crushed Extra grated cheddar cheese for topping Cook and drain the broccoli. Mix broccoli together with remaining ingredients except crackers and extra grated cheese. Pour into a lightly greased casserole dish. Cover with crushed crackers; sprinkle extra cheddar cheese over top of crackers. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 40 minutes or until casserole is firm in the middle. PAST RECIPES CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE AT WECNMAGAZINE.COM/RECIPES. CLICK “SEARCH RECIPE ARCHIVES.”
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RECIPE COURTESY OF BARB RITCHIE, DARLINGTON This is a dish my husband developed starting with leftover brats from a fundraiser. We find that it is good for anything from a school potluck to a family dinner or a church picnic. It is also very Wisconsin in nature. I hope you like it!. 11 lb bratwurst 1 large onion, sliced 2 cans of beer, lager style 6 apples, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces (3 Macintosh and 3 Granny Smith) 2 (27 oz) or 3 (14.5 oz) cans sauerkraut, drained (rinsing optional) 1–3 Tbsp caraway seed or to taste Prepare bratwurst by combining them in a pot with the onion and beer on a low boil for 5 minutes, cook on a grill or skillet until brown, then return to the same liquid to soak while preparing the remaining ingredients. Combine all ingredients into a slow cooker and stir to mix. Cook on HIGH for 2 hours, then on LOW for 3–6 hours. The food will turn brown as it cooks. It is not likely to dry out, but if it starts to do so, add a little more beer. The alcohol will cook out.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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March 24_adsPasted2.indd 19
2/2/24 9:09 AM
HISTORIC MURALS of ASHLAND COUNTY
T
FOLLOW THE MURAL BRICK ROAD
he historic murals of Ashland County, also known as the Mural Brick Road, combine art appreciation and Wisconsin history lessons into one. The trail starts in Butternut in southern Ashland County and follows State Highway 13 north through the communities of Glidden, Mellen, Marengo, and the city of Ashland and showcases an impressive combination of art that makes you think and local history that makes you remember. Butternut, the southern end of the trail and home to seven murals, is also home to one of the two artists responsible for the project, Kelly Meredith. In fact, her studio and shop, Fanatical Fish, is located directly across the street from two of the murals. Meredith was chosen to complete the first mural in 1998 while still working as an art teacher in the Phillips School District. She continued to work on murals with another artist, Susan Prentice Martinsen, mainly in the summers when she was off school. In 2003, she quit teaching to pursue her art fulltime and is currently booked more than a year out as a muralist. Initially funded through grants, the mural project has evolved to private
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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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2/15/24 12:28 PM
WISC NSIN FAVORITES
Glidden History Building Mural depicts historic storefronts, Glidden
fundraising and sponsorships. “We created this promotion by applying for a Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant in 2016 and were awarded this grant for three years to assist with marketing and kicking off the Mural Brick Road,” said Mary McPhetridge, executive director of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce (AACC). “We wanted to celebrate that every community in Ashland County had a mural and celebrate the history of our communities.” “It started with one project in 1998, and then one project literally led to the next,” said Meredith. According to the AACC, of which Bayfield Electric Cooperative is
a member, there are 35 murals included in the project. Prentice Martinsen has since retired, but Meredith credits her with how the project took off. Prentice Martinson morphed the first few murals into a more organized endeavor, expanding to the Mural Brick Road as it is today. Meredith explains that the two artists were, indeed, a team. They tackled the murals together and spent hours painting outdoors on brick facades of buildings (some 120 feet long and 20 feet tall), then later moved inside and painted on panels in a studio housed in the old school in Butternut. Though a team effort, Meredith always painted the
faces to achieve a consistent look. “We kind of divided up the work, like I tended to be pretty quick with faces, and she would do clothing and bodies, so we’d divide up the labor,” said Meredith. “Our painting styles really matched, which is great because you can’t tell where it’s one person or the other.” Traveling north from Butternut to Glidden, there are more murals, one in Marion Park, that portray historic storefronts and community members, some frozen as they were in the 1940s. Depicted are the grocery store, newspaper office, lumberyard, and local bar. “What I like about that one is there’s a beer sign that’s coming out wecnmagazine.com
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1 & 2. Mural #7 Storefront Mural, Ashland 3 & 4. The Great Walls of Glidden Murals depict area veterans larger than life, Glidden. 5. Mural #8 Lumberjack Mural, Ashland 5
from the wall, and I got the perspective just right. If you are standing in the right place, it looks like it’s literally coming out of the wall,” said Meredith. She also enjoyed working on the couple seated on the bench in front of the grocery store, especially to capture that moment in history using a photo from the woman, Edna. “She came into my studio with this gorgeous 1940s picture of her and her husband in his uniform and her with her big swoopy 1940s hair, and I thought, ‘Oh my, I love this,’” said Meredith.
Butternut Murals Family members commission
the faces depicted in Butternut as a fundraiser for the town’s historical museum, which is also worth a visit, in tandem with viewing the murals. Meredith says that each year, she adds five to six people who have a made a difference in the Butternut community to the mural. One face immortalized larger than life is Paul Rose,
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former director of Price Electric Cooperative. Rose was an area dairy farmer and electric co-op director by day but moonlighted as the leader of the famous Paul Rose Polka Band. Meredith painted Rose holding his accordion as he looked in his 40s. When one sponsors a mural of someone in Butternut, the sponsor has to write a narrative of their life in their handwriting. It’s then projected behind the portrait and painted in the background. This area of northern Wisconsin has a storied polka music history, with other polka greats pictured with Rose in the murals. Rose, now 89 years old, told stories of yesteryear when there were multiple polka dances every weekend, and every dance hall in the area was alive with a steady, rhythmic pulse of tuba and accordion beats. “I was only about 14 years old, and my mother and dad bought me an accordion,” said Rose. “My mother and dad went to dances, and they never missed a weekend where there were dances here locally. In those days, they
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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WISC NSIN FAVORITES
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1. Every Life Tells a Story Mural, Butternut. Paul Rose depicted third from left. 2. The oldest and newest technologies captured in the Farmer and His Tractor Mural, Marengo 3. Kelly Meredith, muralist, outside her gallery, Fanatical Fish. Photo courtesy of Kelly Meredith 4. The Making of Mellen Mural, Mellen 5. Marengo Residents #2 Mural, Marengo
took the kids along. They didn’t have babysitters. I’d go along, and I loved polka music, so they bought me an accordion.” When asked where he learned to play, Rose said, “There were no instructors around here in this area, and so even the school did not have music at that time. I learned how to play the accordion by myself. I knew the rhythm, and I knew the waltz and the polka and two-step, and I just kept pecking away at it until I could do it myself.” The Paul Rose Polka Band played area dances for decades and left its mark on the area. “It’s a big, long story, but I guess that’s why my picture’s up there,” said Rose of his image on the Every Life Tells a Story Mural. “You want history? That’s the way to do it. It is interesting to look at, but I’m not the only one up there that is interesting. That’s all history with family and lots and lots of polka music.” When asked what she hopes to
convey as an artist to those who come to see the Ashland County murals, Meredith said, “I hope that they would get a flavor of both the history and the culture and just the vibe of this area throughout time. It gives you a sense of what we’re like and what we value.” “The murals offer something to do that isn’t weather dependent, and they are always available, whether you end up arriving after 5 p.m. or before 8 a.m.,” said McPhetridge. “Your personal stories make up your local history,” said Meredith, “you put them all together, and that’s your town.”—Dana Kelroy The Mural Brick Road starts in the town of Butternut and follows State Highway 13 north to Madeline Island. More information can be found at www.muralbrickroad. com or by calling the Ashland Chamber of Commerce at 715-682-2500. Kelly Meredith’s gallery, Fanatical Fish, and studio is located at 108 Main Street, Butternut WI 54514 and hosts occasional Saturday art classes with other artists. Call for gallery hours, 715-661-4814.
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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.
WANTED: KIDS OLD PEDAL CARS, pedal tractors, pedal airplanes, pedal boats. Any condition. Please leave a message. Karl. 608-482-4783. WANTED: COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR VINTAGE SPORTS CARDS 1986 or older. 608-343-3503. ANTIQUE STOVES. Large potbelly $200, rectangle parlor $100, square parlor, $100. Steffes offpeak thermo heater $500. 715-829-7103. CONCRETE FLOOR REPAIR, also many types of sealers and coatings. Resinous flooring systems: flake, solid color, quartz, and more. Call 715-321-2188. WANTED: FORD TRACTOR, RUNNING OR NOT. 9N, 8N, 600, 700, 800, 900, etc. Call Mark. Home 715-835-1305; Cell 715-577-7249.
FAMOUS ORIGINAL VINTAGE RECORD ALBUMS in covers. List available. Jane 715-333-5796.
WANTED: GATOR, JOHN DEERE UTILITY-TYPE, 2 or 4-wheel drive. Low hours. Call Mark . Home 715- 835-1305; Cell 715-577-7249.
STEP-IN SHOWER—Transforms your existing tub into a safe step-in shower in just one day. Call 608-726-0769.
FOR SALE: 1950 JOHN DEERE A-TRACTOR. Good condition. Serial# 650367. Call 715-694-2309.
COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR ANTIQUE OR HAND-MADE LARGE TRAPS. 715563-6658 For sale: smaller trapping traps, lever-action rifles from 1800’s.
FOR SALE: ‘81 PROJECT CAR. 80-90 gear oil. Truck grill card. 85 Mack dump truck. 715-326-1106.
HISTORIC CONCORDIA BALLROOM in Lacrosse. Dancing of all kinds—newly refurbished maple dance floor! Polka, swing, 2-step, waltz, tango, Salsa, rumba, samba, Cha Cha, folk, Contra, square, line, and lindy—with many free lessons. Live music and DJs. info@concordiaballroom.com 608-782-7049.
ARE YOUR WINDOWS A PANE? Call Jerry today. With Apple Tree Custom Windows and Doors, you choose your brand, budget, and style, helping you truly find what you are looking for. Now that’s value! 920-8228667 www.appletreecwd.com.
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. MCK AY NURSERY COMPANY - WISCONSIN GROWN SINCE 1897. Provider of quality shade & ornamental trees, fruit & flowering trees, evergreens, shrubs, perennials, ground cover, and vines. Design services & delivery available. Contact Eric at ezlandscapewi@gmail.com or call 608387-4287. “Your McKay Independent Sales & Service Provider.” MAY THE FOREST BE WITH YOU! We have evergreens, deciduous, flowering shrubs, crabapples, apples, pears, peaches, apricots, cherries, plums, currants, gooseberries, honeyberries, blueberries, grapes, raspberries, strawberries, asparagus, lilacs, bareroot shade trees, balled & burlapped shade trees, products for planting and plant protection. Woodstock Nursery Garden & Landscape Center, W6291 State Hwy 95, Neillsville, WI 54456. 888-803-8733. www. wallace-woodstock.com.
Real Estate FOR RENT: 2 BR CABIN on Big Round Lake, Hayward, WI. Next to water. Sleeps 5. Great beach. Call Janet 715-558-5803.
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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WISCONSIN EVENTS 1, 8, 15 Friday Fish Fry—Rosholt. St. Adalbert Parish, 4–7:30 p.m. Fish, shrimp, or combo. Dine-in or takeout. Raffles. 1, 8, 15, 22 Fish Fry—New Lisbon. St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 5–7 p.m. Cost is $13 adults, $6 students, preschool free. Baked or fried cod, baked or fried potatoes, cole slaw, rolls, butter, beverage, and choice of dessert. Questions, call Janet at 608-613-0800. For carry-outs, call 608-562-3125 after 3 p.m. on day of event. 1, 15 Fish Fry Dinner—Jim Falls. Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 4:30–6:30 p.m. Meal includes potato soup, 3 pieces of deep-fried fish, potato, beans, coleslaw, homemade roll, beverage, and dessert. Cost is $14/ plate for adults, $6/plate for kids 4–12, and free for kids 3 and under. Dine-in or carry-out. Everyone welcome! 2 Arts & Crafts Show—Sparta. High School, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Honey products, hand-woven rugs, quilts, hand-crafted soap, bath & body products, barn board cabinets, knit & crochet items, gemstone jewelry, doll clothes, stained glass items, hooded T-shirts, books, and much more. Many new vendors. For more info, call 608-632-2304. 2 Spring Craft Sale—Colby. Lions Shelter, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Quilts, hot pads, hanging towels, pillows, baby blankets, pet toys, spring floral arrangements, wreaths, jewelry, gnomes, and much more! For more info, Call Tracy Kayhart at 715-223-5795. 2 Liver Feed—Menomonie. Moose Lodge, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Liver, BBQ sandwich, baked beans, chips, cole slaw, coffee, dessert. Adults $10; 12 and under $5. For more info, contact Lisa at 715-308-1279. 2 Ice Fishing Contest—Fairchild. Sportsman’s Rod and Gun Club, 12–3 p.m.
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March 2024 6, 13, 20, 27 Lenten Meal and Service— Janesville. Asbury United Methodist Church, 6–7:45 p.m. Wednesday evening soup and sandwiches at 6 p.m., followed by our Lenten service at 7 p.m. As always, everyone is welcome. For more info, call 608752-7961. 8 Candlelight Hike—Coon Valley. Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center Shelter, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Any necessary weather-related updates will be posted on our website. Admission $9 ages 10 and up; $4 ages 3–10. Members free with current membership card. For more info, call 608-452-3424. 9 Shamrock Shuffle—Eau Claire. UW-Eau Claire McPhee Physical Education Center, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Pre-registration ends at 11:59 p.m. on March 7. Same-day registration at 8 a.m. but increases to $25. Cash or check only. No credit card machines. Any fitness level. Shirts available until gone. Route starts (and ends) on UW-Eau Claire’s upper campus, goes down Garfield Ave hill, over the university footbridge, and follows the Chippewa Valley River trail. 10 First Responders Benefit Dance— Wauzeka. Century Hall, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Five bands, great dance floor, food, and drinks. For more info, call 608-875-5857. 10 Spring Polka Jam—Stratford. Country Aire Bar & Banquet Hall, 12–5 p.m. Come to play, dance, and tap your feet. Public welcome. Free Admission. For more info, contact 715-389-1232. 16 St. Patrick’s Parade—La Crosse. Main Street, 12–12:30 p.m. Starting at the Freighthouse parking lot, to Main Street, and heading East to 7th Street. Bands, floats, Irish clans, and dancers. Bring a non-perishable food donation or cash for the food pantry collection.
17 Chicken Que & Bake Sale—Chaseburg. Tippy Toe Inn, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. or until all chicken is gone. Featuring “Best Ever Chicken.” Drive-through or eat-in event. Homemade pastries and baked goods will also be available. All are welcome. 20 Spring Salad Luncheon—Janesville. Asbury United Methodist Church, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Purchase tickets at door. Adults $10, kids $3. For more info, call 608-752-7961. 26 Farm Toy & Craft Show—Thorp. High School, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Admission: $3; 10 & under are free. For more info, email thorpffaalumni@gmail. com or call 715-773-2643. 28 Living Last Supper Production—Tomah. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6–8:30 p.m. A powerful retelling of the final meal shared by Jesus and his disciples. This is a free event open to the public. 30 Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast—Janesville. Asbury United Methodist Church, 9–11 a.m. Come and join in all the fun. Pancake breakfast, tons of crafts for all, and a great Easter egg hunt. This is a free event for the community. For more info, call 608-752-7961.
Upload events directly to the wecnmagazine.com through the “Events” tab.
Wisconsin Events is a public service for our readers. Due to space limits, we may need to eliminate details, so be sure to include a phone number (with area code) where callers may obtain more info. If we receive more listings than space allows us to print, we reserve the right to select those we believe will be of interest to the greatest number of readers. Please no virtual events. Events can also be mailed to: WECN, Events, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102, Middleton, WI 53562-2200. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the event is to appear.
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2/12/24 8:42 AM
YOUNG MEMBERS
Kids and Critters March 2024 Send photos of kids with animals, along with a brief description, to WECN Magazine, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102, Middleton, WI 53562-2200. Please include the name of your electric co-op. Photos will be returned. If in good-resolution, electronic format, photos may also be uploaded via wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab. By submitting, sender implies that he/she has rights to and owns the image, and grants WECN permission to use the image. By submitting, the parent or legal guardian also authorizes us the right to publish the image.
Upload photos directly to wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab.
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1. Jerry makes a fluffball new friend at the local dairy breakfast. Photo submitted by Shelby Stone, a member of Oakdale Electric. 2. Hannah meets the neighbor’s goats. Photo submitted by Grandma Paula Green, a member of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services. 3. Taelyn bottle-feeds a new calf. Photo submitted by Naomi Bjergum, a member of Riverland Energy.
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Keep a ____________________ handy in case of a power outage.
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Be watchful for signs of a thunderstorm, including dark skies, flashes of ____________________ or strong winds.
Answer Key: 1. flashlight 2. lightning 3. tornado warning 4. thunder 5. drill
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If a ____________________ is issued, seek shelter in a centrally-located room in your home, a basement or storm cellar. If you’re outside and hear ____________________, go indoors immediately. Practice a tornado ____________________ with your family once a year.
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STORM SAFETY
FILL-IN-THE-BLANK
Spring is a wonderful season, but it can bring powerful storms. Read the clues below, then use the word bank to complete the storm safety tips.
WORD BANK • flashlight • thunder
• tornado warning
• drill
• lightning wecnmagazine.com
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