Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News July 2024 Eau Claire

RESILIENT SIGNS

CELEBRATING

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Arcadia/Mondovi Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Ashland/Iron River Brown Plmbg & HVAC (715) 682-0444

Beaver Dam/Green Lake Air Care, Inc. (920) 356-8860

Black River Falls/ Stevens Point Northern Indoor Comfort (715) 937-2676

Cashton/Sparta Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 269-1500

Chaseburg/Viroqua Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 269-1500

Clintonville/Oshkosh Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051

Cornell/New Auburn Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Dodgeville/Baraboo Modern Htg & Clg (608) 767-2689

Eau Claire/Osseo Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Escanaba/Iron Mountain GPS Htg & Clg (715) 732-2111

Green Bay/Oneida Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051

Hudson/Stillwater Geothermal Concept (612) 481-4020

Hurley/Park Falls QS Plmbing & Mechanical (715) 685-4330

Madison/Black Earth Modern Htg & Clg (608) 767-2689

Marinette/Peshtigo GPS Htg & Clg (715) 732-2111

Marengo/Ashland QS Plmbing & Mechanical (715) 685-4330

Menomonie/Bloomer Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Neillsville/Medford Northern Indoor Comfort (715) 937-2676

New Lisbon/Shamrock Deans Refrig. & Heating (608) 372-6928

Oconto/Rhinelander Van’s Refridgeration (920) 833-2051

Osceola/New Richmond Sustainable Htg & Clg (651) 462-1300

Princeton/Waupun All Phase Geothermal (920) 763-2301

Redwing/Wabasha Earth Energy Htg & Clg (507) 421-3156

Richland Center/Viroqua Strang’s Htg Electric Plmb (608) 647-2855

Sturgeon Bay/Denmark Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051

Tomah/Oakdale Dean’s Refrig. & Heating (608) 372-6928

Wausau/Rhinelander Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051

Westby/La Crosse Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 654-5522

Winona/Pepin Earth Energy Htg & Clg (507) 421-3156

Wisconsin Rapids/ Marshfield Northern Indoor Comfort (715) 937-2676

July 2024 Vol. 85 No. 1

The Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News (Formerly Wisconsin R.E.C. News) has been published monthly and distributed since July 1940 to members of Wisconsin’s non-pro t, consumer-owned rural electric cooperatives. It is available to non-members for $13 per year or $35 for three years. Members pay $6.93 per year.

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

USPS number: 688-480.

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

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.

Web site: www.wecnmagazine.com.

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

Steve Freese WECA president & CEO

Dana Kelroy editor

Mary Erickson associate editor

Julie Lund contributing writer

Ann Bailey graphic designer

Geri Miller advertising consultant

Jennifer Taylor editorial assistant

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

Wisconsin electric cooperatives are strengthening the grid as severe

Detecting issues early can help you plan for repairs.

Former mining sites are transformed into recreational/historic trails.

Kids

& Critters

Cute co -op kids get cozy with their critters.

SYMBOL SEARCH

HIDDEN OBJECT GAME

CENTER OF SUMMER

Finding our June symbol was Allison Larson, a member of Jackson Electric Cooperative. Allison said, “The briefcase is located at the top of the lantern the gnome is holding on page 24. It was very tricky to nd! We enjoyed looking at all of the June dairy photo entries. My daughter says that she would choose the photo of the pizza with the melted cheese as her favorite. :) She hopes to submit an entry for next year’s cover!”

Now, we challenge you to nd this hotdog, to remind you to check out our brat and hotdog recipes on page 20. 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 July 15.

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

We are hitting what I consider to be the midpoint of summer, and this month’s magazine has lots of great information for this time of year.

First, what says July more than hotdogs and brats on the grill? On page 20, we’ve assembled a few creative recipes to elevate your standard ketchup and mustard fare. Have you ever heard of putting honey on a hotdog? Now you have!

On page 14, we give you some warning signs to watch out for to determine if your HVAC is in trouble. The average lifespan of heating and cooling systems is 15 to 20 years, so if your system is nearing that mark, be aware of these indicators that it is malfunctioning. By being informed, you can ensure your home stays cool and comfortable, even on the hottest summer day.

Hot summer weather also brings with it the chance for more severe weather. On page 10, we talk about how this year is already a banner year of ferocious storms. But despite that, Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives are strengthening the grid with projects funded through the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships grant program. When co-ops make improvements to their systems, members receive safer, more reliable service.

Finally, turn to page 24 for some ideas for summer road trips you will surely dig. In a nod to Wisconsin’s mining heritage, we share some former mining locations you can now visit as recreation and historic sites.

We have plenty of summer left to enjoy, so make the most of it. Winter will be here before we know it.

Dana Kelroy Editor

NEWS BRIEFS

Cardinal-Hickory Creek Completion Date Set

Construction on the final segment of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line is now underway. Dairyland Power Cooperative announced that the 102-mile, 345-kV line, which runs from Middleton to Dubuque, will be fully in service on September 27, 2024.

“This is great news. It’s been a battle for almost a decade, and we’re at the end of the road here, and excited to bring in all the renewable energy from Iowa through this system,” Dairyland President and CEO Brent Ridge said at the co-op’s annual meeting in June.

In May, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service completed a land trade, clearing the way for construction of the final 1.2 miles of line. Dairyland, ITC Midwest, and ATC are co-owners of the CardinalHickory Creek project.

Scammers Posing as PSC

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) are warning Wisconsin residents about scammers posing as representatives from the PSC.

Using a tactic called “spoofing,” the scammers alter their caller ID, email address, or other form of contact identification to infer the contact is coming from the PSC in an attempt to persuade people to trust a fraudulent message. The caller or emailer then threatens to disconnect utility services and demands payment.

The PSC says it will never call with disconnection threats, demands for payment, or requests for personal information.

Wisconsin’s Tornado Count Hits 23

The National Weather Service has confirmed 23 tornadoes have hit the state so far this year, already tying the state’s full-year tornado average. On May

21 alone, severe weather spawned 16 twisters, including the first on record for Washington Island. Electric co-ops reported 13,000 members without power following the May 21 storms.

The severe weather caused downed trees, snapped poles, and, in some cases, widespread damage. One fatality was reported when a Fond du Lac man contracted to assist Washington Island Electric Cooperative with fiber optics installation died following contact with a live wire.

The first tornadoes of 2024 hit on February 8, marking the earliest on record. All of the 2024 tornadoes were classified as EF-0 or EF-1, except for one EF-2 in February.

PSC Approves Electric Co-op Grant Applications

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) announced grant awardees for the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program, and all 14 applications submitted by 12 Wisconsin electric co-ops were approved.

The grant program, funded by the Infrastructure, Jobs, and Reinvestment Act (IIJA), funds projects that improve grid reliability. Wisconsin was awarded $10.24 million, and WECA lobbied for the PSC to prioritize smaller utilities in granting the funds, as large capital investment requirements exclude them from many other grant programs.

The PSC awards are subject to a final sign-off by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Co-op Attorney Retires after Nearly Five Decades

Attorney Niles Berman marked his last Wisconsin electric cooperative annual meeting before retirement at Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative on May 11.

“My entire practice of law, for going on 49 years now, was representing the rural electric cooperatives in Wisconsin,

and it’s been an absolute labor of love,” Berman said.

Adams-Columbia honored Berman and thanked him for more than four decades of legal representation for the co-op.

Oconto Youth Awarded Van Sickle Scholarship

Ember DeWitt of Oconto Electric Cooperative is the recipient of this year’s Charles Van Sickle Scholarship from the Federated Youth Foundation (FYF). DeWitt attends the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and intends to go to law school. She has a 3.68 GPA. This year’s scholarship is $2,722.67.

Upon hearing the news she won the scholarship, DeWitt said, “I would describe my reaction when I got the news as grateful, validating, relief, and elation.”

DeWitt has yet to decide what area of law to pursue, but says she is interested in cooperative law. Her goal is to attend law school at Marquette University or UW-Madison after graduation. She also volunteers with organizations on campus and in the community.

Polk-Burnett Lineworker Retires After 53 Years

Polk Burnett Electric Cooperative lineworker Dennis Vollrath, also known as “the legend,” retired in May after 53 years with the co-op.

Vollrath started at Polk-Burnett in the spring of 1971 as a truck driver and groundman and was quickly promoted to apprentice. He worked on the co-op’s southern crew for the past 47 years, where he earned a reputation as a capable, hard-working lineman, trusted by his team.

Vollrath and his wife, Wendy, have seven children, many grandchildren, and have cared for foster children during their years together. Retirement plans include camping, four-wheeling, and snowmobiling.

PUT VCP INTO ACTION TO HELP STOP THE EPA POWER PLANT RULE

In last month’s WECN column I introduced you to an NRECA advocacy program for electric cooperative consumer members, like yourself, called Voices for Cooperative Power. This is an effective online or mobile tool that you can use to get good information or connect quickly to your elected officials to voice your opinion on important energy issues. Last month was the introduction. This month is the call to action!

You may recall in June’s column that I mentioned the need for an advocacy program because we are quickly experiencing some significant reliability concerns when it comes to the creation of baseload power and the transition to a less carbon-dense future. Baseload power refers to the minimum amount of electric power needed to be supplied at any given time to the electric grid, whose stability and reliability are currently being threatened by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new Power Plant Rule released in May.

The EPA’s new rule to limit greenhouse gas emissions from new natural gas and existing coal power plants creates a regulatory scheme by the EPA that is “unlawful, unrealistic, and unachievable,” according to Jim Matheson, CEO of NRECA. “It undermines electric reliability and poses grave consequences for an already stressed electric grid.” Electric cooperatives believe the consequences of this rule to the reliability of the grid are so detrimental that the NRECA is leading a federal lawsuit against the EPA to have the rule thrown out.

This is where you come in. Along with NRECA’s lawsuit against the EPA, nearly 200 congressional members of the House of Representatives and the Senate have introduced identical joint resolutions (House Joint Resolution 163 and Senate Joint Resolution 92) to officially push back against the recently finalized EPA regulations using the Congressional Review Act to review, and potentially vote down, the Power Plant Rule.

Wisconsin congressional members who signed on as original sponsors of the resolutions are Derrick Van

Orden (R-3), Scott Fitzgerald (R-5), Glenn Grothman (R-6), and Tom Tiffany (R-7). If you have not registered for Voices for Cooperative Power yet, please use the QR code on this page to learn more about the rule. You’ll also find information on how you can reach out to the above-mentioned House members to thank them for supporting the resolutions. Additionally, I urge you to also use VCP to reach out to the remaining members of Wisconsin’s delegation—Reps. Bryan Steil (R-1), Mark Pocan (D-2), and Gwen Moore (D4), and Sens. Ron Johnson (R) and Tammy Baldwin (D)—and ask them to please sign on as a co-sponsor of HJR 163 and SJR 92.

Longtime readers of this magazine know that we don’t do call-to-action messaging all that often, so the fact that I’m asking you to engage in this topic indicates how important it is to maintain reliability of the grid and to keep your electrical power affordable. With your help, we can push back against this bad energy policy and continue on a less carbon-dense path that is reasonable, responsible, and achievable.

Scan this code with your smartphone camera or go to voicesforcooperativepower. com to contact your elected o cials.

Steve Freese President and CEO

Price Electric Cooperative President and CEO Je Olson discussed the Voices for Cooperative Power initiative at the co-op’s recent annual meeting.

RESILIENT

More tornadoes, fewer outages: How Wisconsin electric cooperatives are strengthening the grid as severe weather spikes

Tornado season 2024 is off to a ferocious start. First, the state’s earliest-ever twisters hit in early February. Then, May brought several days with severe weather and spawned 21 tornadoes, bringing the year-to-date total to 23, already matching the state’s annual tornado average. Sixteen tornadoes hit on Tuesday, May 21, wreaking havoc, mainly in rural areas powered by electric cooperatives. Part of Eau Claire Energy’s territory was in the path of an EF1 that touched down near Augusta that night.

“Storms caused extensive damage and fallen trees in all areas of our service territory,” said Monica Obrycki, president and CEO of Eau Claire Energy Cooperative. “Outages started around 6 p.m., and crews worked through the night, restoring power to most members by morning. The remaining 160 outages were caused by extensive damage and downed trees that prevented us from accessing equipment or the area we needed to reach to restore outages, so those took longer.”

Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative was also hit by the widespread storms on May 21, when high winds and downed trees impacted seven substations and knocked out power to hundreds of homes. Just three days later, Mother Nature raged again, bringing straight-line winds and another round of power restoration for the co-op’s crews. It was bad, but it could have been worse. Central Wisconsin serves the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, which declared a state of emergency in June of 2022 following a tornado outbreak that knocked

out power to more than 90,000 households across the state, including 60,000 in central Wisconsin.

Central Wisconsin Electric and Eau Claire Energy Cooperatives, like all Wisconsin electric cooperatives, prioritize electric reliability for members and work to mitigate the impact of storms like these, but they must strike a careful balance. Co-ops invest in preventive measures, such as regular infrastructure inspections and vegetation management, but as not-for-profit entities, coops operate with smaller margins and must also focus on efficiency to keep rates down. And it’s not easy.

Electric co-ops serve mainly rural areas with fewer meters per mile than utilities that serve more densely populated areas. Nationally, investor-owned utilities have an average of 34 customers per mile of line, while Wisconsin electric co-ops serve 5.27 members per mile, which means higher costs and more maintenance.

It is for these reasons that, when the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) announced the launch of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) grant program, the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) and several of the state’s electric cooperatives saw it as a potential opportunity to make much-needed improvements to aging infrastructure, and improve their fighting chance during severe storms.

The grant program, funded by the Biden administration’s Infrastructure, Jobs, and Reinvestment Act (IIJA), is aimed at helping to fund projects that improve reliability of the grid during the clean energy transition. Wisconsin was awarded $10.24 million, and WECA lobbied for the PSC to prioritize smaller utilities in granting the funds, as they are excluded from many other programs due to large capital investment requirements.

“The more miles of line, the longer it can take to locate issues and return to service,” WECA Vice President of Operations, Environmental and Regulatory Services Tim Clay explained in written comments to the PSC. And, he argued, this is one of the few federal programs under the IIJA that electric cooperatives can afford. “WECA believes electric cooperatives, municipal electric utilities, and small, privately owned utilities should be the sole focus of this program,” Clay said.

Several electric cooperatives, including Polk-Burnett, Eau Claire, and Oakdale, also submitted comments, which resonated with the PSC. The three-member Commission voted in August 2023 to award at least 75% of the funds from this program to smaller entities.

At the time, former PSC Chair Rebecca Cameron Valcq said, “When you look at the footprint of our small co-ops and the associated cost with trying to make their system more resilient, I think that they need more money. And this is our opportunity to provide that money now.”

And they did. On May 23, the PSC announced the

GRIP program awardees and every single electric cooperative application was approved. Twelve co-ops were awarded a total of $7,320,065 for 14 projects, all aimed at keeping the lights on and/or restoring power more quickly.

total cost of both projects is $1.75 million. After the grants, the co-op will pay about $580,000.

East Central Energy also submitted a top-five application and was awarded $757,680 in grants for a $1.1 million project to replace

…when the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) announced the launch of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) grant program, the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) and several of the state’s electric cooperatives saw it as a potential opportunity to make much-needed improvements to aging infrastructure, and improve their ghting chance during severe storms.

For example, Jackson Electric Cooperative, which submitted the top-ranked application, was awarded $641,966 for a project to address an area in Millston that has had eight outages in the past three years, often due to large cranberry producer loads. The co-op will convert 5.5 miles of aging overhead lines to underground and upgrade another 1.5 miles of existing overhead lines. Like all approved projects, Jackson will fund one-third of the $962,950 cost, or $320,984.

Eau Claire Energy had two applications approved, both scoring among the top five.

One project will help the co-op rebuild 10 miles of outdated overhead copper weld lines to bring them up to current construction standards. The other project will upgrade one-third of the co-op’s traditional reclosers (highvoltage, automatic electric switches typically found on top of distribution poles) with smart technology reclosers.

“By rebuilding lines to our current construction standards, we are ensuring more reliable service for our members, especially during severe weather conditions like the storms we experienced in May,” Obrycki said. “The installation of smart reclosers will also allow us to quickly isolate and address outages, minimizing disruption and improving overall grid stability.” The

and modernize equipment in their substation that serves the Dairyland community in Douglas County. When completed, ECE will have an entirely new substation, which will replace equipment that has been in service since 1951.

East Central Energy Vice President and COO Andy Olson said replacing the aged transformers along with upgrading the technology related to fault protection, voltage regulation, remote control, and distribution automation will allow for a 150% increase in capacity to serve load in the surrounding area, which paves the way for future business expansion, residential load growth including EV adoption, and greater ability to back feed the adjacent substation load in outage situations.

“As an 88-year-old electric provider, we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to make improvements to our system because reliability and safety are vital to the rural way of life,” Olson said.

Dunn Energy secured

a $77,000 grant. “This grant will help us purchase a substation breaker for one of our most critical substations at the southern end of our system,” said General Manager and CEO Jesse Singerhouse. “With this breaker, we will eventually be able to see more real-time load data that will help our operations staff during outage restoration. The other portion of the grant we are receiving is for training and education of our staff on smart grid implementation.”

Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative, which also has two approved projects, plans to use the funds for one project to tie its Wittenberg and Groenier substations together. President and CEO Lila Shower says it will be a “game changer in reducing outage lengths.”

“We currently have a feeder that supports the Ho Chunk Nation and one very large dairy. This grant will allow CWEC to back feed this feeder from another substation in the future to restore power efficiently,” explained Kevin Kurtzweil, vice president of operations.

Central Wisconsin’s second proj-

ect includes converting and upgrading 2.5 miles of overhead line to underground line, which will reduce outages to the embattled Stockbridge-Munsee Band, which was still in storm recovery one year after that 2022 tornado hit.

“It’s just a matter of time until that area gets hit with another storm, just like the one that occurred in 2022. The current line is overhead three phase and is the only feed into the reservation. This grant will allow us to bury threephase cable, therefore no trees or broken poles to contend with in the future,” said Kurtzweil.

Shower added, “The Stockbridge Munsee tribe has a deep reverence for trees and plant life. By converting the overhead line to underground, it will greatly reduce the need for vegetation management in this area, which is also very costly.”

The cost of both projects is almost $2 million. The grant funds will cover $1.3 million.

All of the GRID grants are still subject to final sign-off by the Department of Energy, which is expected to happen by the end of July, and there is more opportunity to come.

This was the first of what will likely be four rounds

THE AWARDS GRANTED INCLUDE:

CENTRAL WISCONSIN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE –TWO AWARDS TOTALING $1,293,006

EAU CLAIRE ENERGY COOPERATIVE –TWO AWARDS TOTALING $1,166,550

PIERCE PEPIN COOPERATIVE SERVICES – $968,060

EAST CENTRAL ENERGY – $757,680

ADAMS-COLUMBIA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE – $649,500

JACKSON ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE – $641,966

CLARK ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE – $599,940

JUMP RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE – $571,665

OAKDALE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE – $266,360

OCONTO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE – $164,060

POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE – $163,836

DUNN ENERGY COOPERATIVE – $77,442

of program awards, but it’s unclear if the PSC, which has replaced two of three commissioners since it last developed rules for the program, will continue to prioritize smaller utilities and their members.

WECA will continue to advocate because the challenges electric cooperatives face are clear. Aging infrastructure cannot withstand the now-growing demand for electricity due to the clean energy transition, electrification, and data center growth, especially when the state sees a year’s worth of tornadoes in a single month.

“All of these projects will help to upgrade and modernize electric cooperative infrastructure, and that is what this program is all about,” Clay said. “Ultimately, it will help co-ops make the improvements they need to keep the lights on in rural Wisconsin.

“We would not have been able to complete either of our projects without the Grid Resiliency Grant opportunity,” Shower said. “It is like a dream come true for CWEC and its membership.”—Julie Lund (Photos courtesy of Chippewa Valley Electric, Central Wisconsin Electric, and Eau Claire Energy Cooperatives)

“The feel of this knife is unbelievable... this is an incredibly fine instrument.” — H., Arvada, CO

“This knife is beautiful!” — J., La Crescent, MN

It was a perfect late autumn day in the northern Rockies. Not a cloud in the sky, and just enough cool in the air to stir up nostalgic memories of my trip into the backwoods. is year, though, was di erent. I was going it solo. My two buddies, pleading work responsibilities, backed out at the last minute. So, armed with my trusty knife, I set out for adventure.

Well, what I found was a whole lot of trouble. As in 8 feet and 800-pounds of trouble in the form of a grizzly bear. Seems this grumpy fella was out looking for some adventure too. Mr. Grizzly saw me, stood up to his entire 8 feet of ferocity and let out a roar that made my blood turn to ice and my hair stand up. Unsnapping my leather sheath, I felt for my hefty, trusty knife and felt emboldened. I then showed the massive grizzly over 6 inches of 420 surgical grade stainless steel, raised my hands and yelled, “Whoa bear! Whoa bear!” I must have made my point, as he gave me an almost admiring grunt before turning tail and heading back into the woods.

But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars FREE when you purchase the Grizzly Hunting Knife. Make sure to act quickly. The Grizzly Hunting Knife has been such a hit that we’re having trouble keeping it in stock.

Our first release of more than 1,200 SOLD OUT in TWO DAYS! After months of waiting on our artisans, we've finally gotten some knives back in stock.

Only 1,337 are available at this price, and half of them have already sold!

Knife Speci cations:

Stauer 8x21 Compact Binoculars -a

I was pretty shaken, but otherwise ne. Once the adrenaline high subsided, I decided I had some work to do back home too. at was more than enough adventure for one day.

Our Grizzly Hunting Knife pays tribute to the call of the wild. Featuring stick-tang construction, you can feel con dent in the strength and durability of this knife. And the hand carved, natural bone handle ensures you won’t lose your grip even in the most dire of circumstances. I also made certain to give it a great price. After all, you should be able to get your point across without getting stuck with a high price.

• Stick tang 420 surgical stainless steel blade; 7 ¼" blade; 12" overall

• Hand carved natural brown and yellow bone handle

• Brass hand guard, spacers and end cap

• FREE genuine tooled leather sheath included (a $49 value!) The Grizzly Hunting Knife $249 $79* + S&P Save $170

California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.

*Special price only for customers using the offer code.

SIGNS YOUR HVAC IS IN TROUBLE

The lifespan of a heating and cooling system ranges from 15 to 20 years. Proper maintenance and lower use can increase the life of the equipment.

Q: How do I know if my HVAC system is malfunctioning?

A: Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is one of the most important and expensive systems in your home. Detecting issues early can help you plan for repairs or equipment replacement.

Equipment functionality issues can affect your electricity use, which may result in higher energy bills. The age of your equipment can be a major factor in function. The lifespan of a heating and cooling system ranges from 15 to 20 years.

Proper maintenance and lower use can increase the life of the equipment. To find out the age of your system, look for the manufactured date printed on the unit’s nameplate. If you can’t find it, search online using the model number or call the manufacturer.

Being thrifty by nature, I typically subscribe to the notion of, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That said, I also believe in being prepared for the inevitable. If your system is approaching or past the 20-year mark, start saving for a new system and get replacement estimates.

There are a few warning signs to watch out for if your heating and cooling system needs to be repaired or replaced:

• Air conditioning is not as cool as usual. If the air from your air conditioner is warm or not as cool as it usually feels, the equipment has an issue. It could be a problem with the compressor or a refrigerant leak. Contact a professional to get the issue checked.

Many refrigerants, especially the ones used in older systems, are harmful to the environment. Fix leaks before adding more refrigerant. Special certifications are required for handling refrigerants, so hire a professional to ensure the work is done properly.

• Low air ow. If you aren’t getting good airflow, it could be an easy fix, such as filter replacement or opening closed dampers. If you’ve made these fixes and airflow is not at normal levels, contact a professional. There could be a bigger problem with a motor, fan, or something else.

• Bad odors. Heating and cooling systems sometimes smell when you first start them up for the season. Those smells should be minor and dissipate quickly. Any serious smells—such as burning metal, melting plastic, or noxious odors—are a sign that your system is in trouble. If you smell those odors, turn your system off immediately and contact a professional.

• Strange noises. There is typically noise associated with the fans and motors in heating and cooling systems. Take note of any excessive or new noises. If your system is making any clunking, clanging, or whistling noises, turn it off and check the filter. If that doesn’t solve it, reach out to a pro.

• Running frequently. Your system needs to run more to keep up on extreme weather days, but there might be an issue if it runs too often. Short cycling is when a system cycles on and off before completing the heating or cooling process. Contact a professional to diagnose this issue.

Several factors come into play when deciding to fix existing equipment or invest in new equipment. Consider the severity of the issue, repair costs, the likelihood of additional repairs, equipment lifespan, and your budget.

The efficiency of your existing system is also a consideration. Heating and cooling technology improvements have come a long way in the last 20 years. Lower operation costs can offset the cost of a new system over time.

Consider your options before you are in desperate need. I recommend getting estimates from at least three contractors. Ask the contractor, “If this were your home, what type of system would you install and why?” The best solution for your home might be a different type of equipment.

Miranda Boutelle writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

EMPOWERING TOMORROW’S LEADERS: CELEBRATING OUR YOUTH AMBASSADORS

Many Eau Claire Energy Cooperative Youth Ambassadors celebrated a significant milestone! Happy YA graduation to all TEN seniors this year: Grace Allen, Isabella Bauer, Isabel Carlson, Hannah Fredrickson, Alayna Jastrow, Josie Rechek, Owen Rozeboom, Hailee Schmidt, Abigail Turk, and Alyssa Wirth. This dynamic program, designed for high school students in our service territory, has once again demonstrated its power to inspire, educate, and prepare the next generation of community leaders.

The Youth Ambassadors program offers a unique blend of learning and fun, providing students with an opportunity to engage deeply with the electric cooperative and our local community. Throughout the year, participants attended monthly meetings, participated in engaging activities, and heard from industry experts about the challenges and innovations in the electric cooperative world. These sessions were not just informative but also interactive, encouraging students to ask questions, explore new ideas, and develop a deeper understanding of the role of electric cooperatives in our everyday lives.

But it’s not all work and no play. The Youth Ambassadors program is known for its engaging

and enjoyable activities that foster camaraderie and teamwork. From team-building exercises to social events, students forge lasting friendships and create memories that go beyond the program itself. This blend of education and enjoyment ensures that students not only learn but also have a lot of fun along the way.

As we celebrate the graduation of our current Youth Ambassadors, we look forward to welcoming the next group of enthusiastic and curious students. This program is not just about learning; it’s about growing, making connections, and having fun. We are

proud of our graduates and excited for the future leaders they will become.

Getting involved in the Youth Ambassadors program is easy and rewarding. High school students who are interested in learning more about the energy industry, making new friends, and developing leadership skills are encouraged to apply. For more information on how to get involved in the Youth Ambassadors program, visit our website or contact our office. Join us in empowering tomorrow’s leaders today!

(L-R): Owen Rozeboom, Grace Allen, Alyssa Wirth, Abigal Turk, Alayna Jastrow, Isabel Carlson, and Hannah Fredrickson

SUMMER SHIFT

AND POWER-SAVING TIPS

There are energy villains lurking in our homes—air conditioning, water heating, pool pumps, lighting, and household appliances, to name some large culprits. Electricity is a crucial part of our daily lives, and smart electricity use helps keep electricity rates stable. That’s why Eau Claire Energy Cooperative encourages members to “Do the Summer Shift” during summer weekdays (June–August).

What is the Summer Shift?

The Summer Shift supports stable rates by helping members use less electricity during times of high demand. Anyone can participate in the Summer Shift by “shifting” nonessential energy use to before 1 p.m. or after 7 p.m., during summer weekdays (June through August). That afternoon window of time is usually when the demand for electricity is at its peak. With a successful Summer Shift program, the cooperative’s wholesale power provider, Dairyland Power Cooperative, purchases less electricity during times of peak demand and high prices. Reducing the price paid for our wholesale power contributes to stable retail electricity rates in the long term.

Providing electricity to all members exactly when it’s needed is part of a larger, complex effort among Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, Dairyland Power, and the regional grid operator—the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). MISO oversees the reliable generation and delivery of electricity for a region that

spans 15 states plus parts of Canada. That’s meeting the real-time electricity needs of 45 million people. Dairyland works with its 24-member cooperatives, including Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, to cover all our electricity needs 24/7/365. By joining with other cooperatives, the benefit of the Summer Shift is multiplied. As the day progresses and demand escalates, the cost of electricity rises, calling for more generation resources (power plants, solar arrays, etc.) to power our daily lives.

Doing the Summer Shift moves non-essential electricity use away from these more expensive times, which helps keep electricity rates stable. To be fair: Doing the Summer Shift may not mean a reduction in actual electricity used because you will still run your dishwasher or take a shower, but shifting to earlier or later in the day will help reduce costs for the cooperative. Members looking for a few power-saving tips can not only do the Summer Shift, but also save energy and improve in-home comfort this summer.

Discover Power Saving Tips

• Cook outdoors to avoid additional heat from the oven.

• Close blinds to help keep the house cool; use a ceiling or table fan to circulate air.

• Catch a summer breeze! Line dry your clothes.

• Utilize an ENERGY STAR dishwasher over hand washing to conserve water and energy.

• Run the dishwasher after 7 p.m., opening up the door to let dishes air dry overnight.

• Charge any electric vehicles overnight (after 9 p.m.).

• Adjust the water heater to no higher than 120 degrees.

Before 1 p.m. and after 7 p.m.: When we all work together to shift non-essential electricity use to offpeak times, we can all help keep rates stable. Utilize the power-saving tips shared above to help save energy and save money. Reach out to your trusted energy advisor at Eau Claire Energy Cooperative for more information.

EIGHT THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW

ABOUT POWER RESTORATION

Have you ever watched a video or TV show where a person is cooking a meal, then suddenly, they snap their fingers, and the meal is plated and ready to eat? That’s called a jump cut. While we wish we could “jump cut” from a power outage to power restoration, it can often take a lot more effort and people to make it happen. We understand questions about power outages and why it can take time to get the lights back on. Given our reliance on electricity, there’s simply never a good time to be without it. The likelihood of summer storms and power outages can be much higher this time of year. As such, we’d like to shed light on ECEC’s restoration process to help our members understand what may be happening behind the scenes. Here are eight things you might not know about restoration:

1. It’s a team e ort. Every one of ECEC’s employees are working to get your power restored as soon as possible. Our front office staff and member service representatives are taking your calls, engineers and field staff are surveying damage, dispatchers are organizing crews, lineworker crews are clearing hazards, and communicators are keeping everyone informed of progress. When your power goes out, we all work together as quickly and safely as possible to get you back to normal.

2. Our employees might be a ected too. Because Eau Claire Energy is a local electric cooperative owned by the members we serve, our employees are local too. They are your neighbors, friends, and familiar community volunteers. When you’re without power, our people might be too.

3. We assess the situation rst. Every outage is different, and we don’t know how dangerous it is or what equipment might need to be replaced. When responding to outages, we first need to see what happened, then figure out what materials we need and a plan for how to fix the problem(s) without compromising electric flow for the rest of our members.

4. Restoration is normally prioritized. Our crews focus on responding first to public safety issues and critical services like hospitals. Then we complete work that impacts the largest number of people first, working from largest volume outage to least.

5. Our employees face many dangers. Besides working around high-voltage electricity, our crews are on alert for weather elements, falling trees, and fastmoving cars.

6. Flickering lights are a good thing. Some folks mistake flickering lights for outages, but these “blinks” are important because they indicate our equipment worked and prevented a possible outage likely caused by wayward animals or stray tree limbs on the lines.

7. You need a backup plan. We do our best to help those who need it, but if you depend on electricity for life-support purposes, you must have a back-up plan—remember, we don’t always know how long restoration efforts will take. If you’re unsure what to do, call us so we can help you understand what you need to be prepared.

8. Sometimes it’s a waiting game. Our portion of the power grid is connected to other electric utilities, and we maintain positive relationships with power providers interconnected to our system. If our outage is due to an issue from their feed into our system, we must let them do their repairs and be mindful of what they’re going through to fix it.

We do our best to avoid power disruptions, but they are inevitable from time to time. If the lights go out, know that your co-op team is working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power. If you experience an outage, please let us know by calling 800-927-5090 or by downloading and using the SmartHub app!

FREE SAFETY DEMONSTRATIONS

At Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, we believe that electrical safety education is crucial for everyone. That’s why we o er tailored safety demonstrations to suit any group’s needs, from rst responders and highway departments to elementary school students, high schoolers, senior citizens, and professional development groups. No matter the age or skill level, our electrical safety demonstrations are designed to educate and engage, ensuring everyone understands the importance of electrical safety and what it means to our community.

Best of all, these demonstrations are provided for FREE in our service area. You can come to our cooperative, or we can bring the safety demo to you. To schedule a safety demonstration, please reach out to our o ce today.

www.ecec.com

Lobby Hours: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday–Thursday; 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Friday

Obrycki,

and

Taylor Skibba, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

ECEC will be closed July 4 for Independence Day

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.

THE GRILL for brats AND HOTDOGS

Grilled Honey Dogs

and photo

of

8 beef hotdogs

8 hotdog buns

2 cups chopped pineapple

1/2 cup honey

1 (8 oz) bag potato chips, crushed

Heat grill to medium heat and cook hotdogs for 6–8 minutes. Place hotdog buns on top layer of grill, away from ames, for the last 2 minutes. In a small bowl, add chopped pineapple and honey; stir together. Remove hotdogs and buns from grill, top hotdogs with honey-pineapple mixture and crushed potato chips. Makes 8 servings.

Recipe

courtesy

Chef Michell Sanchez, Grilling Expert and Owner/Executive Chef of Latin House Grill, via the National Honey Board.

Grilled Brat and Hash Brown Pizza

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association.

Olive oil for basting

1 pre-made pizza crust

1/2 cup barbeque sauce

8 oz ball of whole milk mozzarella, sliced 1-1/2 cups shredded hash brown potatoes, pan-fried extra crispy 2 bratwursts, grilled and sliced 1/2 small red onion, sliced 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Chopped fresh basil, to taste (optional)

Preheat the grill to 400 degrees. Lightly brush both sides of the pizza crust with olive oil. Evenly spread the barbeque sauce on top of the crust and then top with the sliced mozzarella cheese, hash brown potatoes, sliced bratwurst, and red onion. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the other ingredients. Place the pizza directly onto the hot grill. Bake for 10–15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the pizza crust have become slightly crisp. Remove the baked pizza from the grill and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil if desired. Slice and serve. Makes 4 servings.

Hotdog Potato Casserole

Recipe courtesy of the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association. Photo courtesy Getty Images.

1 lb small red potatoes

2 Tbsp preferred cooking oil

3 carrots cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

1 onion, chopped

1 lb hotdogs, cut into 1-inch-thick slices

1 (14.5 oz) can sauerkraut

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup undrained prepared horseradish

1/4 tsp pepper

1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Pierce potatoes several times. Microwave potatoes on high until just tender, approx. 5–6 minutes. When cool enough to handle, cut potatoes in half; set aside. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots and onion; cook, stirring often, until lightly browned. Add hotdogs, sauerkraut with liquid, water, horseradish, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover. Cook until carrots are tender. Add potatoes and cook for 5 more minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serves 4.

El Macho

Turkey Hotdogs

Recipe and photo courtesy of the National Turkey Federation.

You might need two hands to lift this El Macho Turkey Hotdog! Turkey hotdogs straight

o the grill are the perfect base for this dog loaded with all the toppings. Now is no time to skimp—go big on the cheese sauce, jalapeno peppers, and salsa. The more the merrier. Just bring extra napkins.

8 turkey hotdogs

8 hotdog buns, toasted (the sturdier the better)

1 sweet onion, chopped

1 bottle ketchup

1 bottle mustard

1 jar sweet pickle relish or dill pickle chips, drained

1 jar salsa

1 (or more) jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced

Cheddar cheese or 1 jar cheese sauce

1 can chili

Cook turkey hotdogs on the grill until heated through, to at least 165 degrees. Toast buns on grill away from areas with flame. Serve hotdogs on buns and top with plenty of your desired toppings. Serves 8.

READER RECIPES

ZUCCHINI BROWNIES

RECIPE COURTESY OF GARY AND GRACE CLARK, RICHLAND CENTER

BROWNIES

REQUESTS FROM OUR READERS

An online reader requests sugar snap pea recipes.

SEND TO: WECN, Reader Recipes, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200 or jennifer@weca.coop

1-1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups shredded zucchini (don’t drain)

2 cups our 1/2 cup cocoa

1-1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

3–5 Tbsp water

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix sugar, oil, and vanilla, blending thoroughly. Add shredded zucchini and mix well. Stir in the our, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Stir in water to desired consistency, should be slightly thick. Add chopped nuts, if desired. Spray a 9-x13inch pan with cooking spray; spread in batter. Bake for 25 minutes.

FROSTING

1/4 cup softened butter

3 Tbsp cocoa

2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

Pinch of salt

Mix all frosting ingredients together in a bowl until well-blended and smooth, adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed. Spread onto cooled brownies.

CHILE RELLENOS CASSEROLE

RECIPE COURTESY OF DONNA DISERA, HAYWARD

I have had this recipe for over 20 years, and it has always been a huge hit. My kids even made a song about it and would sing it at dinner. It is super easy to make and, of course, it’s delicious.

1 lb ground beef

1 green pepper, chopped

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp oregano

1/8 tsp garlic powder

2 cups shredded cheddar

2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese

2 (8 oz) cans chopped green chiles

4 eggs, beaten

1 cup light cream

1 Tbsp our

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

Brown ground beef and drain. Add green pepper, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic; cook until green pepper is tender. In a bowl, combine cheeses and set aside. In a 2-1/2-quart casserole dish, layer half of the meat mixture, green chiles, cheeses, and repeat. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl combine eggs, cream, and our; pour over the top cheese layer. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and cover with tomato sauce; sprinkle with additional cheese, if desired. Bake 10–15 minutes longer or until the casserole is set.

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.

FISH PIE

RECIPE COURTESY OF RACHEL RAIVALA, IRON RIVER

PIE

2 cups cooked cod, diced

2 cups cooked shrimp, diced

2 cups cooked smoked salmon, diced

3 Tbsp butter

1/4 cup olive oil

1 cup onion, diced

1/2 tsp thyme

1/3 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth

6 Tbsp our

2 cups clam juice

2/3 cup heavy cream

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups diced potatoes, cooked and drained

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Skin, bone, and bake or sauté the cod, shrimp, and salmon; dice into bite-sized pieces and set aside. In a large skillet over low heat, sauté the butter, olive oil, onion, and thyme for 6 minutes. Add the wine or broth and cook until evaporated. Slowly whisk in the our and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in and heat the clam juice. Add cream, pepper, and salt; whisk for 10 minutes to thicken. Add sh, shrimp, and potatoes with the parsley; stir and pour into a buttered 9-x-13-inch casserole pan.

TOPPING

1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 cup milk

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 cup our

1-1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Combine the vinegar and milk. Add butter, our, baking powder, and salt; stir in the Parmesan cheese. Pour and smooth over sh mixture to the edges of the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 40–45 minutes to brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before topping with lemon-butter-cream cheese sauce and serve.

SAUCE

1/4 cup butter

1/2 cup cream cheese

1 tsp minced garlic

2 Tbsp lemon juice

Combine all sauce ingredients into a saucepan and stir over low heat until warm and blended.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ROOM AIR CONDITIONER

For homes without a central air-conditioning system, a room or window air conditioner is a great option for keeping a house comfortable through summer’s heat. These units are meant to cool rooms rather then entire homes, so they’re less expensive to operate than a central system. Follow these tips to get the most e cient use of your room air conditioner:

Size it Right!

Use the proper size air conditioner for the room. An oversized unit will perform less e ciently and e ectively by cooling the room to the temperature set-point before proper dehumidi cation occurs, making the air feel clammy. An air conditioner generally needs 20 Btu for each square foot of space.

Can You Take it Higher?

Set your air conditioner’s thermostat as high as is comfortable. The smaller the di erence between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling costs will be.

On the Level

When you install your room air conditioner, make sure the unit is level so the inside drainage system and other mechanisms work properly. Follow manufacturer’s directions carefully during installation.

Lower Fan for Lower Humidity

Set the fan speed on high unless the weather is very humid. On high-humidity days, set the fan speed on low. The slower air movement through the cooling equipment will remove more moisture from the air.

Keep it Clear

Keep your air conditioner’s thermostat clear of any heatproducing items such as lamps or televisions. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which could cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

Fan Power

Room air conditioners are not designed to cool entire homes. Running multiple window units at once is less e cient and more expensive than running a central AC system. Using a fan along with your room unit can help spread the cooled air farther without greatly increasing your electricity use.

Source: energy.gov

YOU’LL DIG THESE DESTINATIONS

FORMER MINING SITES TRANSFORMED INTO RECREATIONAL/ HISTORICAL TRAILS

From the shores of the Great Lakes Region where the Copper Culture thrived in prehistoric times, to the mineral-rich lands of the Upper Mississippi where the lead boom of the early 1800s helped accelerate statehood, mining has always been a key part of the area we now know as Wisconsin. It’s even re ected in our o cial nickname; we’re called the Badger State in a nod to the early miners of southwest Wisconsin who were too poor or too busy (mostly likely both) to build homes on their mining claims and instead lived like badgers in the underground tunnels.

It’s not just the state’s history and culture, however, that mining has helped shape. Wisconsin is home to some beautiful recreation sites that were once mines but were either redeveloped according to state abandoned-mine reclamation guidelines or preserved for their historic signi cance. A visit to one of these scenic places is a great way not just to unwind in nature, but to bask in some Badger history as well. Here are a few of our favorites.

Wazee Lake Recreation

Area Wazee Lake Recreation Area, located just outside of Black River Falls in Jackson Electric Cooperative’s service territory, is Jackson County’s newest and largest county park, but those aren’t the park’s only superlatives. The centerpiece of this 1,300-acre site is the 146-acre Wazee Lake. With a maximum depth of about 355 feet, Wazee Lake is the deepest inland lake in Wisconsin with some of the clearest water around. With those attributes, the lake is one of the premier places for scuba diving in the entire Midwest.

Looking over the crystal-clear water, surrounded by lush greenery and red cliffs, with a wide sandy beach at one end, it’s almost impossible to imagine this pristine area as the iron-ore mine it once was. Jackson County Iron Mining Company, a subsidiary of Inland Steel Mining Company, operated at this site from the late 1960s through early 1983. After the mine shut down, the property was sold back to the county and Inland Steel began reclamation work. The large pumps that ran continuously to keep the pit drained were stopped and the pit filled with groundwater. The tailings basin, where the pumped water had been moved to, was transformed into

a wildlife nesting area. Materials removed from the pit were piled in ridges and hills around the edges, creating scenic overlooks.

Thirty years ago this month, this publication featured the brandnew Wazee Lake Recreation Area, which at the time was already a hotbed for scuba diving but offered little else beyond simple day uses such as picnicking. However, enthusiasm for the property’s potential was high, and work was underway adding hiking trails, developing the lakeshore, and stocking the water with fish, with plans to eventually add a boat landing, develop a beach, and build surrounding campsites.

Over the following years, Jackson County checked all those boxes. Today, Wazee Lake is still known for excellent scuba diving, but it’s also a great place for fishing and any manner of nonmotorized water recreation. There’s also a large beach for swimming, nine miles of hiking trails, three miles of surfaced biking trails, an accessible fishing pier, and 12 rustic campsites.

Wazee Lake Recreation Area is located at N6302 Brockway Rd., Black River Falls, WI 54615. To learn more, call 715-284-5357 or visit www.co.jackson.wi.us.

Flambeau Mine Nature Trails and Recreation Area

Just south of Ladysmith in Rusk County, where Jump River Electric Cooperative is headquartered, there’s another beautiful nature and outdoor recreation area that bears little resemblance to its past life as a mine.

The 150-acre Reclaimed Flambeau Mine Nature Trails & Recreation Area attracts nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who come to enjoy the five or so miles of trails that wind through woodlands, grasslands, and around two wetland areas, all teeming with wildlife.

About 30 years ago, the Flambeau Mining Company, a subsidiary of Kennecott Minerals, operated an open-pit mine of a copper-gold deposit at this site. The minerals mined here were shipped to Canada for processing and used worldwide in the manufacture of items such as electrical wiring, electronics, and medical equipment.

The Flambeau Mine was the first to be approved and operated under Wisconsin’s stringent environmental and mining regulation requirements, which included an approved reclamation plan. The mine operated from 1993 to 1997, after which reclamation work began. The pit was backfilled with the materials that were removed from it, the site

Wazee Lake (above and opposite) is known for its clear, deep water, scenic views, and wide, sandy beach.

was contoured, topsoil was applied, and native grasses, wildflowers, and trees were planted.

Today, the Flambeau Mine Nature Trails & Recreation Area has more than two dozen species of trees and shrubs and hundreds of native grassland and wetland plant species. These plants attract a wide variety of birds, making the area especially popular with bird watchers. With its well-groomed, mostly flat trails and interpretive signs throughout, the Reclaimed Flambeau Mine Nature Trails and Recreation Area is family friendly and easy for all levels of hikers.

The Reclaimed Flambeau Mine Nature Trails and Recreation area is located on Highway 27 about 1.5 miles south of Ladysmith. It’s open year-round from dawn to dusk. For more information, visit www.flambeaumine.com or call 715-532-2642.

Merry Christmas Mine Trails & Prairie

Southwest Wisconsin’s lead-mining history is preserved at Pendarvis, a Wisconsin Historical Society site in Mineral Point that’s on the National Register of Historic Places. The site is made up of a cluster of preserved stone buildings built by Cornish miners who came to this country in the early 1800s, lured by promises of lucrative lead mining—and later zinc mining—in the area.

A companion Pendarvis attraction is the Merry Christmas Mine Hill Trails and Prairie across the road from the stone buildings. This area is the site of the former Merry Christmas Mine, so named because zinc was discovered in these mines around Christmas time. The restored site now offers two half-mile interpretive walking trails winding around a 43-acre prairie, one of the largest native prairies in southwestern Wisconsin.

The two walking trails—Lead Trail Loop and Zinc Trail Loop—take visitors on a journey that’s as educational as it is scenic. Interpretive signs help explain how mining shaped the area’s history as well as its landscape. Most of the mine shafts were filled in when mining operations ceased; however, some remnants of the area’s mining past were left in place and marked on a map available at the Pendarvis Visitor Center or online.

The Zinc Trail Loop incorporates such relics as a (covered) mine shaft opening and the winch used to move materials up and down the shaft. There’s also a 1905 air compressor that provided ventilation in the underground mines, and an old wagon drill and cart that was used to haul the ore to the end of the railway and dump it down a chute and into the processing mill. Some remnants of the tailings (waste rock) used as a base for the ore-cart railway are still visible, as are the concrete foundations of the processing mill. The trail ends at the Merry Christmas Mine Building, a large stone construction that was likely used as a mine building.—Mary Erickson

Pendarvis is located at 114 Shake Rag Street, Mineral Point, WI. The Merry Christmas Mine Trails & Prairie is open year-round from sunrise to sunset (the Pendarvis site has operating hours and entrance fees).

To learn more visit pendarvis.wisconsinhistory.org or call 608-987-2122.

The Flambeau Mine Nature Trails & Recreation Area near Ladysmith is great for wildlife viewing.

The trails on Merry Christmas Mine Hill include some stations where remnants from the mining operation were left in place.

PLUMER MINE INTERPRETIVE PARK PRESERVES IRON-MINING HERITAGE OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN

No exploration of former mining sites in Wisconsin would be complete without a look at the Penokee-Gogebic Iron Range in northern Wisconsin. This range is an 80-mile belt of Precambrian bedrock characterized by iron-rich minerals. Discoveries of the vast deposits of ore along this range shifted the focus of mining in the state from the southwestern end to the northern region by the late 1800s, with miners and their families establishing new communities in Wisconsin’ s Northwoods.

As resources were exhausted and deposits farther north into Michigan were found to be more lucrative, lumber took over mining as the major industry in this area. However, vestiges of this once-dominant industry remain, and perhaps none is more impressive than the Plumer Mine Headframe that looms 80 feet in the air just o Highway 77 in the Town of Pence.

This imposing steel structure is the last remaining iron mining headframe of the hundreds that once dotted the Penokee-Gogebic Iron Range. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the headframe is the focal point of the Plumer Mine Interpretive Park, which is being restored under the watch of the newly formed non-pro t Friends of the Plumer Mine Headframe organization.

“As far as we know, it was built in 1904 or 1905,” said Cathy Techtman, president of the Friends of the Plumer Mine Headframe and a member of Bay eld Electric Cooperative. “So it’s about the 120th anniversary of the headframe this year. We’re planning to have a rededication of the headframe some time this summer.”

Restoration work thus far has included clearing brush to make the headframe more visible from the highway, redoing the gravel driveway to make the structure more easily accessible by vehicle (it’s also accessible via snowmobile and ATV trails), and installing a new safety fence around the base of the headframe. In addition, the group is redoing the interpretive signs within the park and perusing local records to nd more details about the headframe’s history.

Future plans call for developing an interpretive walking trail behind the headframe to the ruins of a collection of mining buildings, including the hoist house, engine house, various repair shops, and a “dryhouse” where miners could clean up and change clothes after a long shift underground.

Despite its 120 years, the Plumer Mine headframe was recently examined by an engineer and determined to be structurally sound.

The Test of Time Like other headframes, the Plumer Mine headframe was built over the opening of a shaft mine, with cables running from a hoist house through sheave wheels on top of the headframe to elevator-like cars that were lowered into the mine, carrying miners into the shaft and loads of iron ore out of it. Carts of ore stopped at the “tipple” half-way up the headframe, where the ore was tipped directly into railroad cars parked below and delivered to the ore dock in Ashland and shipped to steel mills in the Great Lakes area for processing.

Although it’s an impressive sight, the Plumer Mine Headframe was not the largest headframe of its time. The size was determined by the depth to which the cable had to be extended. The Plumer Mine reached a maximum depth of 2,367 feet, according to the Friends of the Plumer Mine, whereas the nearby Montreal Mine reached a depth of 4,335 feet, requiring a much larger headframe.

“There were many that were larger than this one, but for some reason this one wasn’t torn down,” Techtman said. “We don’t know the reason why.”

Unused but not unappreciated, the headframe stood tall against time and weather for decades. When Iron County was designated a Wisconsin Heritage Area in 1994, the Plumer Mine headframe was included as one of the historic sites along the Penokee Iron Range Heritage Trail and developed into an interpretive park. Bay eld Electric Cooperative is listed on one of the original signs as one of the local organizations that supported this initiative.

Time continued to take its toll on the park, so a small group of interested volunteers formed the Friends of the Plumer Mine Headframe and, with the Town of Pence’s blessing, assumed responsibility of preserving “this grand old dame,” Techtman said.

The Plumer Mine Headframe Interpretive Park is located on Plumer Mine Road just o Hwy 77 between Pence and Iron Belt. To learn more, visit https://www.plumermine.com or follow Friends of the Plumer Mine Headframe on Facebook.

About a mile and a half down the highway from the Plumer Mine Headframe is Montreal, once home of the Montreal Mining Company and the world’s deepest iron mine. The community was literally built by the Olgebay-Norton Mining Company, which designed a community that would provide an environment to “accommodate the nationality and temperament” of the 700 miners needed to work at the new Montreal Mine shaft and their families. These frame houses were maintained at company expense. The original homes of this mining company town are preserved in Montreal’s National Historic District.

Miscellaneous

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

WANTED: DEER TAGS, BACK TAGS. Trapping, bear, hunting licenses. Otter, sher, 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.

HISTORIC CONCORDIA BALLROOM in Lacrosse. Dancing of all kinds—newly refurbished maple dance oor! 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.

WANTED: COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR VINTAGE SPORTS CARDS 1986 or older. 608-343-3503.

50 YEARS OF ANTIQUE OLD TOOLS , AC machinery, milk cans, steel wheels, old lumber pallets. 608-687-3022.

WANTED: BEAR TRAPS, large odd traps, and lever-action ri es. Traps for sale: beaver, coyote, and Newhouse traps. 715-563-6658.

E-BIKES FOR SALE. Let me get you on the right e-bike. Recycle Bike Shop Mobile, Boyceville, WI. Call or text Bicycle Larry 715-702-1452.

FOR SALE: EXCAVATORS AND DIGGERS. Kubota 151, also Lifton, Powerfab, and Truckhoe units. Used. $5,000-$20,000. Blair, WI. 608-852-7047.

WANTED: CHILDREN’S PEDAL CARS, pedal boats, pedal planes, pedal tractors. Consider parts or cars any condition. Leave message. Karl. 608-482-4783.

2022 GRAND DESIGN SOLITUDE RV, fth wheel, model 310GK. One owner. Immaculate. Under 4,000 miles. Must see. $72,000. 608-317-2273.

MAILBOX DOOR NOT STAYING CLOSED? Strong add-on magnet. No tools required. Rural style mailboxes. www.MAILNUT.com 715-967-2448.

GARAGE FLOOR COATINGS, tougher than epoxy, salt and oil resistant. We grind and repair concrete before we coat it. Call 715-321-2188.

FOR SALE: REAR STRUTS for ‘05 Chevy Impala. $100. 715-832-8564.

Plants & Shrubs

MCKAY NURSERY COMPANY - WISCONSIN GROWN SINCE 1897. Provider of quality shade & ornamental trees, fruit & owering 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.”

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.

5 ACRES, WEST PEPIN COUNTY, small house with 640 sf garage. Last appraisal $263K, sell $245K. 612-805-2695 FSBO.

REACH MORE THAN 152,000 MAILBOXES EACH MONTH Advertise with us! geri@weca.coop

BE A LIFESAVER AT THE POOL

Classi ed ads reach more than 152,000 mailboxes. RATES: For non-members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $25 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $1.25 each. For members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $14 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $.70 each. Count name, address, and phone number as part of ad. Please include zip code. FOR PROOF OF MEMBERSHIP, please include your address label from your copy of the magazine. FREQUENCY DISCOUNTS: 2% discount for 3 months; 5% for 6 months; 10% for 12 months. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the ad is to appear. All classi ed ads must be paid in advance. There is no agency discount on classi eds. Make check or money order payable to: WECA. Mail to: WECN—Classi eds, Attn. Jennifer, 6405 Century Ave., Ste. 102, Middleton, WI 53562. Ph: 608-467-4638. Email jennifer@weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads.

Don’t let potential hazards dampen your summer fun. Follow these tips to stay safe as you cool o in the pool:

l Keep an eye on the weather. At rst sound or sight of thunder or lightning, get out of the water and seek shelter. Don’t return to the pool until 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.

l Do not put electrical appliances within 10 feet of a swimming pool.

l Use battery-operated radios and other electronics near swimming pools.

l Make sure any outlet within 25 feet of a pool has a ground fault circuit operator.

l If you’re building a pool or pool deck, make sure it’s at least 5 feet from underground electrical lines and 25 feet from overhead electrical lines.

Source: SafeElectricity

WISCONSIN EVENTS July 2024

3 Family Fun Day—Millston. Ball Park, 3–10 p.m. Chicken que and music in the park at 3 p.m.; cake walk at 4 p.m.; Lake Lee Loop Fun Run/Walk at 5 p.m. (advance registration); ‘Battle of the Bars’ games at 6 p.m.; Hill Billy Fever Band at 7 p.m.; and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. over Lake Lee. 608-343-3936.

4 Friends of the Mellen Library’s Bellringer Run— Mellen. Legion Memorial Library, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Two-mile fun run fundraiser for the library. Register online on the library’s website. 715-274-8331.

4 July 4th Celebration—Phillips. Elk Lake Park, 2–11 p.m. Parade downtown at 2 p.m., then head down to Elk Lake Park for the celebration from 4–10 p.m.

4 July 4th Celebration—Jump River. Jump River Park, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Parade at 11 a.m., tractor/truck pull and horseshoes at noon, kids pedal pull, face painting, food and refreshments all day, fireworks by Big Daddy at 10 p.m. 715-290-0061.

6 Arts & More on the Lakeshore—Phillips. Elk Lake Park, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Arts and crafts fair, children’s museum, and more.

6 The bEATs Free Concert—Menomonie. Wilson Park Band Shell, 6–9 p.m. Uncommon Denominator will be performing, followed by fireworks over Menomin Lake at dark. Food trucks and beverages for sale. Bring a food item to donate to the “Stuff the Truck” event for the Stepping Stones Food Pantry. Bring chairs.

9 Concert in the Park—Coloma. Community Park, 6:30–8:30 p.m. The Del Ray’s will be performing (weather permitting). Cruise in with your 1970s or older vehicle and get preferred parking. Music from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. No cover charge, donations accepted. Brats, hot dogs, and beverages at 5:30 p.m.

10, 17, 24, 31 La Crosse Concert Band 2024 Season—La Crosse. Riverside Park, 7–8:30 p.m. Free to the public. Inclement weather site location announced on website after 5 p.m. 608-784-7555.

11 Garden Tour—Bangor. Tour begins at the First Responder Building, 3–8 p.m. Bangor Garden Club will host a tour of 8 sites. Tickets $10; includes dessert and a raffle basket. 608-317-1803.

12, 13 Gem & Mineral Show—Minocqua. Lakeland High School, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission. Fun for all ages. Gems, beads, minerals, fossils, jewelry, kid stuff, demos, silent auction, grab bags.

14 Drive the Driftless Garden Tour—La Farge. Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. From flower gardens to native prairie to a vegetable CSA. Food trucks, restrooms, and water available at visitor center. Tickets are $15. 608-625-2960.

17 Music in the Park - Chris Kroeze— Durand. Memorial Park, 6–9 p.m. Free, food for purchase, and BYO lawn chair.

19 Fish Fry—Bayfield. Bethesda Lutheran Church, 4:30–7 p.m. Serving freshly caught Lake Superior beer battered whitefish, baby potatoes, coleslaw, dinner rolls, and dessert.

20 Tractor Ride for Cancer—Chaseburg. Village Park, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. We will leave at 9 a.m., have lunch at Bad Axe Country Club, and then return to the park in the afternoon. Cost is $20/participant. Wagon rides available or drive your own tractor. (must be able to go at least 12 mph). UTVs welcome. To sign up or for more info, 608-769-1919.

20 Southwest Music Fest—Platteville. Historic 2nd Street, 12 p.m.–12 a.m. Live music on the main stage, raffle prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and pull tabs. BYO lawn chair. Anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a guardian.

25 Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Social— Elmwood. Rock Elm United Methodist Church, 4–7 p.m. Homemade ice cream, pie, and cake; hot beef sandwiches, and hot dogs. Sit-down social with quarts and pints available for take home.

26, 27 Rummage and Bake Sale—Onalaska. St. Patrick’s school gym, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. 608-783-5535.

27 Celebration of the Arnold House—Galesville. The Arnold House at East Side Farm, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Serving breakfast and pulled pork lunch. Music with Sampson & Son and the 1st Brigade Band. Petting zoo, antique engines, flintknapping, face painting, more.

27 Sweet Rides and Sweet Pies—Westby. Veterans Memorial Field, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Car, truck, and bike show. Pie and ice cream. U.S. strongman competition. Food trucks, craft vendors, swap meet. Free admission. 608-386-4296.

27 UUAW Art Fair—La Crosse. Viterbo University Courtyard, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Juried art fair featuring over 80 artists. Free admission but donations for scholarships and grants are appreciated. An art raffle, food trucks, and refreshments will also be available. 608-399-1751.

27 Hometown Fest Craft & Vendor Fair—Platteville. City Park, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Showcasing the works of the region’s crafters and artists. Held adjacent to the Platteville Farmer’s Market, the craft fair will be a morning of relaxing shopping and visiting with friends while listening to music in the gazebo. Call 608-348-8888 by July 15 to register.

27 Pork & Corn Dinner—Tigerton. Morris Town Hall, 4–7 p.m. 715-326-0369.

28 Pancake Breakfast and Community Family Picnic—Phillips. St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Pancake, sausage, fruit cup, and egg breakfast, 9-11 a.m. Picnic includes music, raffle baskets, children’s games, bingo, cake walk, corn hole, lunch, and beer garden, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Community members and visitors welcome. Indoor option in case of rain. 715-563-7477.

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.

Upload events to wecnmagazine.com

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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.

3 2 1

1. Luca curls up with his best friend, Zsoka, on the dock. Photo submitted by Grandpa Ron Borcherding, a member of Price Electric.

2. Kalila is cozy with a free-range chicken. Photo submitted by Nadia, a member of Scenic Rivers Energy.

3. Emma, Brody, and Carson enjoy an afternoon shing on Lake Michigan. Photo submitted by Sarah Hebel, a member of Jackson Electric.

NATIONAL GRILLING MONTH WORD SEARCH

July is National Grilling Month! Can you nd all the words associated with grilling in the puzzle below? Use the word bank as a guide.

Cooking outdoors is a fun way to spend time with friends and family! By cooking outside, you can save energy indoors and keep your home cooler.

Try the world’s most tender steaks, extra-aged 28+ days to perfection. Discover premium quality beef that’s grain-finished for exquisite flavor. Experience the juiciest air-chilled chicken, tastiest pork, and so much more.

Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons (5 oz.)

Air-Chilled Boneless Chicken Breasts (4 oz.)

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Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.)

Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.)

Omaha Steaks Seasoning (3 oz.)

Air-Chilled Boneless Chicken Breasts (4 oz.)

Omaha Steaks Burgers (4 oz.)