Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News October 2023

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

visit

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

WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. WE’RE EVERYWHERE IN WISCONSIN WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX INCENTIVE 1 1.ENERGY STAR rated units qualify for 30% through 2032, 26% through 2033 and 22% through 2034

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

If the only thing bigger than your propane bill is your propane tank...

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

Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Steve Freese, president & CEO.

USPS number: 688-480.

Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703.

Periodicals postage paid at Sun Prairie, Wis.

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

Web site: www.wecnmagazine.com.

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

Steve Freese WECA president & CEO

Dana Kelroy editor

Mary Erickson associate editor

Julie Lund contributing writer

Ann Bailey graphic designer

Geri Miller advertising consultant

Jennifer Taylor editorial assistant

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

The Reality of the

Please recycle

SYMBOL SEARCH

HIDDEN OBJECT GAME

Finding our September Symbol was Joan Reynolds, a member of Washington Island Electric Cooperative. Joan said she found it on, “page 31 in the Energy Explorers display.... the bison is in with the trees and the other farm animals! I enjoy the WECN Magazine.... and reading about my electric coop.... they are a hard-working bunch, for sure!! Also, I like the recipe pages!”

Now, we challenge you to nd this door just like the energy e cient doors discussed on page 13. 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 October 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):

THE BOND OF BROTHERHOOD

Good luck!

Lineworkers

are a special breed. The job is dangerous, di cult, and often done in extreme weather. As such, it is no surprise that they share a special bond.

Nic Alberson, operations manager at Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, con rms that bond. “A lot of us went to school together. A lot of us work storms together. We all move in di erent directions at each co-op, but we all stay connected. There absolutely is a brotherhood,” he said.

That bond was evident last month at the funeral for Derrick Heisz, a lineworker from Scenic Rivers Electric Cooperative, at the co-op’s outpost o ce. Derrick died on the job while restoring power. His death is a tragic loss for his family, the cooperative, and the brotherhood of lineworkers.

In a touching tribute, 30 bucket trucks lead Derrick’s funeral procession through Gays Mills. All told, 19 other electric cooperatives from across Wisconsin, as well as a municipal utility and several contractors, were represented.

“It was important to be there just to show our support for Scenic Rivers and Derrick’s family,” said Alberson. “It’s more than just being a lineworker—we’re a family. When one’s hurting, we want to be there for them, whether it’s a storm or an issue like this. We certainly don’t leave anyone behind.”

“This is a great display of what it means to be a part of a co-op. Whether it’s a fatality like this or it’s restoration after a storm, we’re always willing to help each other out,” he added. “Through the bond we have with each other, we have everybody’s back and we’re here for them, whether it’s good days or bad days. We’re going to help each other out and help each other through it.”

Our condolences go out to Derrick’s family and his coworkers at Scenic Rivers Electric Cooperative.

Dana Kelroy Editor

HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1-May 15). The funding pays a portion of energy costs, but it is not intended to cover the entire energy costs of a residence. The amount of the energy assistance benefit depends on a variety of factors, including the household’s size, income, and energy costs.

Homes heated with wood, propane, natural gas, electricity, or fuel oil can receive energy assistance. Your household may also be eligible to receive a payment for your non-heating electric costs through funding provided by Wisconsin’s Public Benefits Program.

Home Energy Plus (HE+) includes the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), Weatherization Assistance Program, and HE+ Program Services. WHEAP provides assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations. Weatherization helps renters and

homeowners reduce their energy consumption. The HE+ Program Services provides services to eligible homeowners and some renters to repair or replace their heating systems, leaky or non-working water heaters, leaky fixtures, toilets, and piping. Operating with federal and state funding, the programs provide energy assistance payments to over 200,000 households and weatherization services to over 6,000 households in Wisconsin each year.

State Co-ops Mourn Death of Scenic Rivers Lineworker

Electric cooperatives from across the state filled the streets of Gays Mills with bucket trucks Saturday, September 9, in honor of Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative lineworker Derrick Heisz, 45, who died Thursday, August 24, when he came into contact with an energized line. Co-op bucket trucks from 20 Wisconsin co-ops were part of the funeral procession.

According to the obituary, Heisz “was a beacon of creativity, selflessness, and spirited adventure throughout his 45 years.” The 1996 Brodhead High School graduate “traveled across the U.S., restoring power to hundreds of thousands of people and working on major storm damages. His work, often involving the hanging of high-voltage electrical transmission lines from helicopters, was a testament to his fearlessness and commitment to service.”

Heisz is survived by his parents, five siblings and their families, and many extended family members and friends.

PSC Gives Co-ops Priority in Funding Program

In a win for Wisconsin electric cooperatives, the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin cited input provided by WECA and Wisconsin electric co-ops in shaping the formula of what the $10.24 million Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program will look like.

Under federal guidelines, Wisconsin is required to award 24% to smaller utilities. WECA urges the PSC to prioritize smaller utilities, including co-ops, as they are not contenders for most funding programs, and the commission agreed. The PSC voted 3-0 to award 75% of the funds to smaller utilities, or $7.3 million, an increase of $4 million from what is required.

“I took the comments from the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative

Association and the other co-ops, I took those comments to heart,” said PSC Chair Rebecca Cameron Valcq in proposing the increase. “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.”

WECA Submits Comments in Support of Nemadji Trail

WECA President and CEO Steve Freese submitted comments to USDA Rural Development, Rural Utilities Service (RUS) in support of the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC).

The plant is a $700 million 625-megawatt “renewable enabling” combined-cycle natural gas plant, planned for construction in Superior, which will have the ability to ramp up quickly when wind and solar resources cannot meet demand. It will be innovation-ready for partial hydrogen refuel, as emerging technologies develop, which would meet the criteria in the EPA’s pending power plant emissions-reduction rule.

“NTEC will be an ‘always available’ critical capacity resource in a time where resource adequacy in MISO is declining significantly,” Freese wrote.

The project was announced in 2017 by Dairyland and project partner, Minnesota Power, to accommodate expansion of renewable energy without risking reliability. Basin Electric Power Cooperative joined as a third partner in 2021. The last day to submit comments was September 10.

Biden Touts Clean Energy Policy at Milwaukee Factory

President Joe Biden made a stop at Ingeteam in Milwaukee recently to talk about clean energy accomplishments on the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Ingeteam manufactures wind turbine generators and reports it has added 150 new jobs to the area since it opened in 2011. The company is expanding to manufacture electric vehicle chargers.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a $7.5 billion federal investment to build a network of electric vehicle chargers.

“This company concluded that it was an opportunity for them as well,” Biden said. “And now they’re making fast-charging EV chargers here in America, right here in Wisconsin.”

Holtan to Represent WECA on State Safety Council

Riverland Energy Cooperative’s Tim Holtan will represent WECA and the state’s electric cooperatives on the newly created Wisconsin Damage Prevention Council. The council works with contractors, landscapers, plumbers, homebuilders, utility workers, and other professional excavators to promote safe digging practices and highlight the importance of utilizing Diggers Hotline services.

Prior to Holtan’s recent promotion to general manager at Riverland, he was the operations manager and had direct oversight of the co-op’s Diggers Hotline responsibilities.

DOE Announces Funding Competition

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced an opportunity for electric cooperative, municipal, and small investor-owned utilities to compete for nearly $9 million and cybersecurity technical assistance through the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity (RMUC) Program’s Advanced Cybersecurity Technology (ACT) 1 Prize Competition. The ACT 1 Prize is the first in what will be a series of prizes from the RMUC Program.

According to DOE, there will be three increasingly competitive phases in the ACT 1 Prize that will challenge eligible utilities to identify risks, implement solutions to harden systems against threats, and improve overall cybersecurity. In the first phase, competing utilities will define their need for technical assistance, describe existing resources, and express their commitment to improving cybersecurity.

Introducing the world’s lightest mobility scooter with anti-tip technology

Like millions of older Americans, I struggle with mobility. For years, I watched my quality of life slip away, as I was forced to stay home while friends and family took part in activities I’d once enjoyed. I thought I’d made some progress when I got a mobility scooter, but then I realized how hard it was to transport. Taking it apart and putting it back together was like doing a jigsaw puzzle. Once I had it disassembled, I had to try to put all of the pieces in the trunk of a car, go to wherever I was going, and repeat the process in reverse. Travel scooters were easier to transport, but they were uncomfortable and scary to drive, I always felt like I was ready to tip over. Then I found the So Lite® Scooter. Now there’s nothing that can hold me back.

Years of work by innovative engineers have resulted in a scooter that’s designed with seniors in mind. They created Electronic Stability Control (ESC) that makes it virtually impossible to tip over. If you try to turn too quickly, the scooter automatically slows down to prevent it from tipping over. The battery provides powerful energy at a fraction of the weight of most batteries. With its rugged yet lightweight aluminum frame, the So Lite® Scooter is the most portable

•

scooter ever—but it can hold up to 275 pounds—yet weighs only 40.8 pounds without the battery! What’s more, it easily folds up for storage in a car seat, trunk or even on an airplane. It folds in seconds without tools and is safe and reliable. Best of all, it’s designed with your safety in mind, from the newest technology and superior craftsmanship. Why spend another day letting your lack of mobility ruin your quality of life? Call now and find out how you can get a So Lite® Scooter of your very own.

DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL

along with representatives from Dairyland Power Cooperative, our generation and transmission member, joined WECA Vice President of Government Relations and External Affairs Rob Richard and me in Washington, D.C., for a one-day fly-in to lobby our members of Congress on issues affecting our member cooperatives.

Steve Freese President and CEO

September was a month of fulfilling Cooperative Principle Number 2, “Democratic Member Control.” The idea behind this principle is that cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members. These members actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The first step of this democratic control is having members express where they stand on issues affecting their electric cooperatives; it is no different for Wisconsin electric cooperatives.

In mid-September, we participated in the Region 5 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) meeting in Des Moines, Iowa. Cooperative leaders from Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin had the opportunity to express our members’ positions on various national issues. The road to this regional meeting started at your electric cooperative’s annual meeting when you elected your electric cooperative board of directors. Those board directors then represent you and your cooperative at the state and federal levels by providing input to both our statewide and national trade organizations. These two organizations take member input to determine their stance when lobbying on issues.

The issues covered in Des Moines included supporting an equitable treatment in energy tax policy, so electric cooperatives have fair treatment with other energy providers when Congress considers tax-exempt financing loans or energy incentives. We also urged NRECA to undertake legislative and regulatory initiatives to fund research, development, and construction of nuclear power. Nuclear power is a low-carbon dispatchable resource that is critical for the reliability of the nation’s power supply. We also urged NRECA to undertake appropriate federal legislative and regulatory initiatives to address spent nuclear fuel and nuclear waste responsibly. Then, in late September, eight cooperative leaders representing Wisconsin’s eight congressional districts,

One of the significant issues is a proposed rule from the Department of Energy (DOE) that would require shifting transformers made from grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES) cores to amorphous steel cores. GOES, the industry standard, currently accounts for more than 95 percent of the American distribution transformer market. In DOE’s effort to increase transformer efficiency, in many cases by only 1% or less with this rule, the supply chain shortage will worsen because manufacturers would be required to change production lines to less readily available amorphous steel. Currently, the United States has one domestic producer of amorphous steel. Moving to amorphous steel cores, as proposed by DOE, would require this sole American supplier, with its current market share of less than 5 percent, to accommodate the entire distribution transformer market and rapidly increase its operations. This supply-chain delay and shortfall will be catastrophic if we want to stabilize the grid and provide enough new transformers to accommodate all the new electric vehicles on the market.

The second major issue we talked to our members of Congress about is something I have shared with you in this column before—the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rules to limit greenhouse gas emissions from new and existing fossil fuel-fired electric generating units under the Clean Air Act. We shared with congressional representatives our belief that the proposed rules contain unrealistic and unachievable timelines. The compliance deadlines endanger new and existing natural gas plants and all but ensure coal units will shut down. It is unlikely that the infrastructure could be put in place due to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission’s permitting process, cost, supply-chain challenges, public opposition, and land ownership/access. We believe the rules threaten baseload electricity production, reliability, and affordability. We also shared our support for the Farm Bill and broadband legislation.

September was a very busy month for your cooperative leaders as they effectively advocated on your behalf in fulfillment of the Second Cooperative Principle to represent you. As a witness to their effort and dedication, you can all be proud of the work they put in to influence NRECA’s policy resolutions and the entire Wisconsin congressional delegation’s stance on energy issues to maintain safe, affordable, and reliable electricity.

THE RISK TO RELIABILITY THE REALITY OF

It wasn’t supposed to happen that way.

It was a hot day in August 2003 when the United States experienced the largest blackout in the nation’s history. More than 50 million people lost power from Michigan to New York and even into Canada.

While essential services remained in some areas, the worst-case scenario became a reality in others. Backup generators failed. Transportation came to a halt. Water systems lost pressure. Telephone lines were overloaded, and cell towers went down.

Less than two years after the September 11 attacks, the blackout left the nation vulnerable as critical infrastructure, including the systems that detect unauthorized access to key security systems, borders, and ports, went down.

The outage lasted up to two days, but most people had power restored within eight hours. Still, nearly 100 people died, and the event cost billions. An investigation revealed that the blackout was sparked by a software malfunction at an Ohio utility, coincident with a tree making contact with a highvoltage conductor, and snowballed into overloaded transmission lines that ultimately led to the shutdown of at least 265 power plants, as operators shed load to prevent damage to their systems amid the cascading event. Much of the Northeast regional electricity system had collapsed.

What the nation gained, however, was a real-life lesson in how vulnerable the electric grid can be and how easily the domino effect can take it down. This reality led to the designation of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) as North America’s Electric Reliability Organization (ERO). NERC is an independent organization now tasked with monitoring risks to the electric grid. It has been granted the power to develop and enforce mandatory standards so history does not repeat itself.

And now, that very organization is warning that it could.

Richard Burt, A Dire Warning Richard

Burt parks his Tesla at the offices of the Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO). In 2007, NERC began delegating some of its authority to regional entities, including MRO. Burt worked in the energy industry as a power systems engineer specializing in transmission planning studies, control systems, power quality, and telecommunications before joining MRO in 2012. He currently serves as senior vice president

and chief operating officer. He is both pro-clean energy and hyper-focused on reliability; right now, he’s worried.

Burt spoke candidly to Wisconsin’s electric cooperative leaders at WECA’s Energy Issues Summit, saying the clean energy transition is moving too fast and putting reliability at risk. According to Burt, the data is simple—energy capacity (supply) is dropping, and demand is increasing.

“We’ve got less generation in this country today than we did 10 years ago,” he said, noting that even with all the new solar installations, solar generation has only grown from 1.7% in 2012 to 3% in 2022. The bulk of generation still comes from coal and natural gas, especially on high-demand days.

Burt said as more coal plants are retired and replaced with intermittent renewables such as wind and solar, the risk of an energy shortfall grows, including here in the Midwest. NERC rated the MISO region, comprising 15 states including Wisconsin and part of Canada, as “orange” or “elevated risk” for this summer.

“Up until three years ago, we didn’t even do color-coded charts because nothing was ever orange. And this winter is going to be red,” Burt said. “It’s meant to be a wake-up call.”

A red designation represents “high risk,” the most critical rating. This means the area will require increased monitoring due to the risk of a potential electricity shortfall that could lead to rolling blackouts (forced outages).

Burt presented data showing a stark increase in “forced outages” in recent years. Operators initiated five hours of forced outages in 2018, no hours in 2019, 70 hours in 2021, and 60 hours in 2022.

“The past two years, in particular, have seen a big uptick in the amount of load we are having to shed due to the widening energy gap,” Burt said. “During Winter Storm Uri in 2021, grid operators ordered the largest manually controlled load-shedding event in U.S. history.”

“During Winter Storm Uri in 2021, grid operators ordered the largest manually controlled loadshedding event in U.S. history.”

“Working across jurisdictions is critical to solving this challenge, and right now, we are doubling our efforts on state outreach to ensure a unified understanding of how policies affect reliability of the interconnected system,” Burt said. “I’m not anti-clean energy. It’s just going too fast.”

Many people at the Energy Issues Summit wanted to hear more from Burt, so we reached out with more questions. His answers are below.

What is the greatest threat to energy reliability in the nation and why?

The generation fleet is transitioning to resources that are more weather dependent at the same time that we are seeing more extreme and unpredictable weather, significantly increasing reliability risks to the North American bulk power system (BPS). Power demand is continuing to increase—

and will increase even further as the economy becomes more electrified— at alarming rates, while capacity is not. Therefore, the energy gap is widening.

What needs to happen to protect reliability?

The era of fuel on demand is ending. Transitioning away from resources that are generally relied upon to always be available, largely because the fuel can be stored (i.e., coal and nuclear), to resources that are dependent on real-time weather conditions and where the fuel cannot be stored, creates a more complex scenario wherein fuel assurance and forward energy supply planning become increasingly important and much more complicated. To address this challenge, policymakers, regulators, and industry need to work

the risk to

reliability is getting worse.

together toward the common goal of reliability of the bulk power system. One example of this is authorities working collaboratively with industry to develop plans that more carefully manage the transition of resources, including delaying plant retirements until replacements for the energy provided by those plants is available and on-line.

You mentioned that demand is growing, and capacity is not. Can you explain a little more about that?

To put it simply, we are entering a period of load growth that has not been seen in decades and are also

Richard Burt of the Midwest Reliability Organization delivers candid comments to attendees of WECA’s Energy Issues Summit in August, warning that

energy

trending towards less generation capacity each year. Policies targeted at reducing carbon emissions have led to increased electrification, which is expected to continue. For example, over half of all new cars sold in the U.S. by 2030 are expected to be electric vehicles. This is just one of the drivers leading to a spike in electricity demand. At the same time, decarbonization efforts have led to premature retirements of fossil fuel generation. While cleaner sources of energy and storage technologies are growing at an impressive rate, those installations are not covering the generation capacity.

NERC released its Reliability Risk Priorities Report showing “energy policy” as a key risk, for the first time ever. Why?

This report is developed by NERC’s Reliability Issues Steering Committee (RISC) with coordination between ERO Enterprise staff (including MRO) and industry participants. The report is significant in that not only does it identify key risks, but it also helps prioritize ERO and industry risk mitigation efforts. Energy policy was among five top risks identified in this year’s report because of the interdependencies that increasingly exist between federal and state energy policy and reliability of the bulk power system. This new risk is unique in that it spans the other four risk profiles of grid transformation, resilience to extreme events, security risks, and critical infrastructure interdependencies. If not properly managed, this risk will augment the impact the other risks have on BPS reliability and security.

NERC and MRO have been historically fuel agnostic. Why are these independent agencies now offering input on fuel source?

NERC and the Regional Entities do not promote one fuel source over another. Our role as technical experts is to evaluate the performance and overall health of the bulk power system and raise awareness of risks that could impact reliability. We have a unique view of the system that spans all four interconnections…essentially all of North America. The data we collect and analyze helps to inform decisions made by industry, federal, state and provincial regulators, and other key policy makers. The reality is that a diverse mix of fuel sources is needed to ensure reliability of the ever-evolving power grid. Managing the pace of change is the central challenge for reliability today, which is why you are hearing more about the different attributes of generation related to each fuel source now.

Can the nation meet current federal emissions goals and maintain reliability? Why or why not?

Reliable electricity is critical to our society and our way of life. A utility executive recently said that it is the

most critical of critical infrastructures because without it, the others cease to exist. The communications, healthcare, transportation, and banking industries all rely on electricity to operate. Because of this, reliability of the power grid should be at the forefront of federal emission reduction policies and the timing of the transition to zero emissions needs to be carefully managed.

What about battery power? Could that be the solution?

Innovation in battery technology has given us a new tool to help manage system constraints. As we consider batteries as a storage solution, it is important to understand a couple of key facts. First, batteries consume about three times as much power as they discharge, so they are a larger load than a resource in some respects. However, there is a lot of value in the ability to choose when to discharge batteries and inject power into the grid. Second, while there are some new technologies being evaluated right now, most installed commercial battery systems can only inject for about four hours. So, for example, a battery paired up with an adjacent wind farm could charge when wind output is high and discharge when it is low to maintain a consistent power output, but that time is limited to four hours, which would not be adequate for situations where there are multiple days of low wind. Batteries are absolutely part of the solution, but they are not THE solution.

What are your thoughts on expanding nuclear?

As I mentioned earlier, a diverse mix of fuel sources is needed to ensure reliability of the ever-evolving power grid. This includes nuclear power. Nuclear power is unique in that it provides an almost uninterruptable supply of power without carbon emissions. A significant amount of innovation and progress has been made recently on nuclear, so I see it being part of both the strategy to zero emissions and the solution to our energy assurance challenge.

Do you think we will experience rolling blackouts in the near future?

Both NERC’s and MRO’s recent reliability assessments warn of an elevated risk of energy shortages due to increasing demand, severe weather, and a generation fleet that has less capacity.

Anything else you would like to add?

MRO is committed to a vision that we share across the ERO Enterprise and with industry: a highly reliable and secure North American bulk power system. Even though this is a difficult challenge, I believe that by working together we are collectively up to the task.

—Julie Lund

SEAL IN SAVINGS WITH EFFICIENT EXTERIOR DOORS

A: The front door of your home has a lot of meaning. It sets the stage for the home and is the first impression for your guests. Beyond curb appeal, the front door is a good place to look for energy savings.

Efficient exterior doors seal tightly and don’t allow air to pass through. Limiting airflow from exterior doors can result in lower heating and cooling costs. Throughout the years, the construction of exterior doors has improved to increase their efficiency. If your door is older, it likely is not insulated.

There are two strategies to address an inefficient front door: Purchase a new one or work with what you have.

If you want to replace your front door for aesthetic purposes, make it more functional, or improve its efficiency, consider upgrading to an ENERGY STAR®-certified model. The ENERGY STAR® certification ensures the door meets efficiency criteria for your local area. It also means the National Fenestration Rating Council independently tested and verified the door.

Certification requires any windows in the door to be double or triple pane to reduce heat flow, which results in a more efficient home. While windows in doors offer aesthetics, more glass means less efficiency. ENERGY STAR®

offers different criteria based on the amount of glass the door has. That means that the bigger the windows in a door, the lower the efficiency. The most efficient doors have no glass or windows in them.

U-factor is the primary rating for efficiency on doors and windows.

Q: I like the style of my front door, but it is drafty. Can you recommend ways to x the drafts and make it more energy e cient?

U-factor is the inverse of R-value, which is the rating used for insulation. Unlike R-value where higher is better, the lower the U-factor, the more energy efficient the door. Check the U-factor on ENERGY STAR® doors at your local hardware store or online to help choose the most efficient door in your preferred style.

ENERGY STAR®-certified doors are made of the most efficient materials, such as fiberglass, wood cladding, and steel with polyurethane foam core. They are built to fit snugly into their frames, reducing drafts and airflow.

When it comes to doors, you don’t have to sacrifice style for efficiency. There are many styles available to match the architecture, whether your home is historic or modern.

When completely replacing a door and the frame, you can use expanding foam or caulk to fill the space between the door jamb and structural framing.

ENERGY STAR® doors have specific installation instructions to ensure the desired efficiency.

If a new door isn’t in your budget, there are less expensive options to reduce air leakage and improve your home’s efficiency.

All of that coming and going throughout the years can wear out weatherstripping. If you can see daylight around the edges of the door or underneath it, it’s time to stop those air leaks.

Weatherstripping around the door jamb can be adjusted to make a snug seal or replaced if it’s too far gone. Apply one continuous strip along each side, and make sure it meets tightly at the corners.

There are many different types of weatherstripping products on the market, so shop around for what’s right for you. Don’t forget the door sweep at the bottom of the door.

Adding a storm door can also help and is less expensive than replacing the entire door. Most storm doors have options for using a screen or glass. Swapping the screen for the glass insert can help save energy in both the winter and in the summer if you use air conditioning. Consider a storm door that’s easy to switch between glass and screen so you can maximize the benefits.

Open the door to energy savings by improving the efficiency of your exterior doors––without compromising the aesthetics of your home.

Miranda Boutelle writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 electric co-ops.

Replacing

If you can see daylight around the edges of the door or underneath it, seal in those air leaks with weatherstripping and a door sweep.

or improving your front door can help you save without compromising the aesthetics of your home.

PIG OUT WITH P RK

Blended Al Pastor

Tacos with Pineapple

Jalapeno Slaw

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Mushroom Council.

TACO FILLING

8 oz white button mushrooms

1/2 lb ground pork

2 Tbsp pineapple juice

1/2 Tbsp chili powder

1/2 Tbsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp ne sea salt, or more to taste

1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder

1/4 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

8 small corn tortillas, warmed

Add the mushrooms to a food processor; pulse in 10 second intervals until the mushrooms are nely chopped into pieces of similar size. Heat a large skillet to mediumhigh. Add the mushrooms and cook until they just begin to soften, approx. 2 minutes. Add the pork, continue to cook for 7–10 minutes, until the meat is no longer pink and cooked completely through. Turn o the heat. All liquid should evaporate; if it doesn’t, drain the blend. Stir in the pineapple juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, chipotle chili powder, oregano, and black pepper. Return the heat to medium and cook for 1 more minute, stirring often.

SLAW

4 cups thinly shredded cabbage

2 green onions, sliced

1/2 cup diced pineapple

1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

1 Tbsp diced pickled jalapenos

1 Tbsp fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp pineapple juice

1/4 tsp ne sea salt, or to taste

To make the slaw, stir together all slaw ingredients in a large bowl. For each taco, top a warm tortilla with the al pastor mushroom and pork blend. Top with some slaw before serving. Serves 4.

Hearty mushrooms are blended with ground pork to create an easy taco lling that mimics the avors of traditional al pastor. Each taco is topped with a sweet and tangy coleslaw made with pineapple and bits of spicy pickled jalapenos.

Pork Tenderloin with Savory Apple-Blueberry Compote

Recipe and photo courtesy of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.

Crispy apples cook down with onions in this savory apple-blueberry compote. Drizzle it over roasted meats or even pour it over your favorite veggies. The compote has a luscious consistency that will add a delightful balance of savory-sweetness to smoky, roasted, or grilled dishes.

PORK TENDERLOIN

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 pork tenderloins

1 Tbsp fresh oregano

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp Kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Season the pork with oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sear pork on all sides to create nice color. Remove from pan with tongs and place on a rack on a sheet pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Remove from the oven and let rest in a warm area for at least 8 minutes before slicing.

APPLE-BLUEBERRY COMPOTE

1 Tbsp butter or margarine

2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

1/4 cup thinly sliced onion

1 tsp cornstarch

1 tsp sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, divided

1 tsp lemon juice

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apples and onion; cover and cook, stirring frequently, until apples are almost tender, approx. 3–4 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, sugar, salt, and pepper; stir in 2/3 cup water. Stir water mixture and 1/2 cup of the blueberries into the apples; cook, stirring gently, until thickened and sauce begins to color, approx. 1–3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and remaining 1/2 cup of blueberries. Serve with sliced pork. Serves 4.

RECIPES

Pasta Italiano with Onion and Pork

Recipe and photo courtesy of the National Onion Association.

Put together this avorful Italian-inspired family dish after a busy day. Convenience ingredients help keep the cooking quick, easy, and inexpensive.

1-1/4 lbs pork loin sirloin chops or pork shoulder blade steaks

2 tsp oregano

2 tsp ground cumin

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, cut into narrow wedges

1 (14.5 oz) can Italian recipe stewed tomatoes

9 oz fresh linguini or fettuccini pasta

Parmesan cheese

Italian herbs

Trim off fat from the chops or blade steaks. Trim the meat from bones and cut into small cubes; dust pork with oregano and cumin. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and pork and sauté until cooked through, about 8 minutes; add tomatoes and heat. Cook fresh linguine in boiling water approx. 2 minutes or as package directs. Drain and serve with pork/onion sauce on top; sprinkle with cheese and herbs. Makes 4 servings.

Honey Pecan Baby Back Ribs

Recipe and photo courtesy of the National Honey Board.

4 lbs baby back pork ribs, cut into 4 to 5 rib racks

2/3 cup honey, divided

1 Tbsp black pepper

1 Tbsp paprika

1 Tbsp salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Vegetable oil cooking spray

1 cup toasted pecans, ground fine

2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

1 (18 oz) bottle prepared barbecue sauce

Toasted pecans, for sprinkling on finished ribs

Preheat grill to 300 degrees or medium heat. Lay each rack of ribs on a large piece of foil. In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup honey, pepper, paprika, salt, and garlic powder. Rub both sides of each rack of ribs with 1 tablespoon of the mixture, divided evenly. Wrap foil around ribs to form packets. Place foil packets seam-side up on grill rack, close the cover, and bake on the grill approx. 1-1/2 hours. Remove ribs from the grill, spray grill racks with vegetable oil spray and fire up the grill up to medium-high. Combine pecans and flour. Remove ribs from foil and press pecan mixture onto meaty side of each rack. Combine barbecue sauce and remaining 1/3 cup honey. Drizzle pecan crust with honey barbecue sauce to cover. Grill each rib rack over medium heat 2–3 minutes, starting with the bare side and brushing on more sauce as desired. Turn and baste the ribs until they are caramelized. Sprinkle with additional toasted chopped pecans and extra honey barbecue sauce and serve. Serves 6.

READER RECIPES

QUICK SHRIMP GUMBO

RECIPE COURTESY OF DEANNE SCZEPANSKI, WHITEHALL

This is an easy, quick meal that’s SO delicious!

1 cup onion, nely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced (or garlic salt, to taste)

1 tsp canola or olive oil

1/2 lb kielbasa or Polish sausage, cooked and sliced

1-1/2 cups green pepper, chopped

1 (14.5 oz) can tomatoes with water

1 cup chicken broth

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.

BEEF BURGUNDY

RECIPE COURTESY OF MARILYN HINES, ELLSWORTH

2 lbs cubed beef, browned and drained

1/2 cup Burgundy cooking wine

1 (10.5 oz can) cream of mushroom soup

1 (8 oz can) sliced mushrooms, drained

1 (1.9 oz) pkg dry onion soup mix

REQUESTS FROM OUR READERS

An online reader is looking for recipes using ground cherries.

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

1 bay leaf

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp pepper

1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce

3/4 lb cooked shrimp

1/2 cup instant rice

In a large saucepan, saute onion and garlic in oil for 2 minutes. Stir in sausage and peppers and cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes with water, chicken broth, bay leaf, seasonings, and hot pepper sauce. Bring to a boil and cook uncovered for 2 minutes. Stir in shrimp and cook 3–4 minutes. Stir in rice and remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaf and serve.

AUNT MILLIE’S BRY

RECIPE COURTESY OF LEE LEHRER, IOLA

1 lb pork fat

3-1/2 qts hot water

1 heaping tsp allspice

Small handful of salt

2-1/2 cups buckwheat our

2-1/2 cups white our Honey, to taste

Cook pork fat until it gets soft, approx. 15–20 minutes; let cool and process in a blender or food processor until smooth. Mix with water, allspice, salt, and both ours. The our amounts may vary and do not add all the our at once. Put back in the pan and cook until it is slightly thicker than gravy. Pour into a 9-x13-inch baking dish or into a few bread pans; refrigerate until ready to use. To prepare, slice, fry, and top with honey.

Place all ingredients into a slow cooker for 3–4 hours on HIGH or until meat is tender. Serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. Serves 4. NOTE: You may substitute unsweetened cranberry juice for the wine, but the avor will be very di erent.

DEPRESSION CAKE

RECIPE COURTESY OF KAREN SIMONIS, BLACK RIVER FALLS

This is called Depression Cake as it does not have any dairy products or eggs which were rationed at the time.

1-1/2 cups our

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup cocoa

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp white vinegar

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 cup water

Mix our, sugar, cocoa, salt, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, mix vanilla, vinegar, oil, and water. Add oil and water mixture to the dry ingredient mixture and combine well. Pour batter into an 8-x-8-inch greased baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 30–35 minutes.

NEW ENGLAND BAKED HADDOCK

RECIPE COURTESY OF DEBRA PEPIN, AUGUSTA

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz), approx. 12 crackers

2 haddock loins

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

3 Tbsp butter, divided

Mix garlic powder and crushed crackers together; set aside. Pat dry haddock loins and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Spread 1 tablespoon melted butter onto a cookie sheet and place haddock on top. Pour remaining melted butter over haddock and sprinkle cracker crumb mixture over the top, pressing lightly. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes, until the sh reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.

KEEP WASTED ENERGY FROM HAUNTING YOUR HOUSE

Treat your energy bill with these energy-saving tricks!

Slay those energy vampires

These are the electronic devices that continue to use electricity when they’re turned o but still plugged in to an outlet. The most common culprits are electronics and other “smart” devices that have a built-in clock or digital display. These vampires don’t respond to garlic or wooden stakes, but you can ght them o by disconnecting such devices from the wall when you’re not using them. If that’s not practical, plug vampire devices into a power strip and turn the power strip o when the electronics are not in use.

Keep cold air from creeping in

Ghosts and goblins aren’t the only things you’ll want to keep out of your house as the weather gets colder. Seal any air leaks around windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping to keep the chilly air outside. Same goes for any areas where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring comes in through the walls.

Don’t heat your home for ghosts

If you’re out and about this Halloween or any other time, make sure you turn down the thermostat in your house. There’s no point in keeping your home comfortable if no one is there but ghosts (and they don’t seem to mind the chill anyway). According to the Department of Energy, setting the thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day could save as much as 10 percent on your energy bill.

Set your lights for the witching hour

Lighting up the exterior of your home can help keep it safe and secure. Plus, it’s fun to get in the spirit of the holiday with decorative outdoor displays. But outdoor lights can also give your energy bill a scare if you forget to turn them o . Setting your outdoor lights to a timer can take care of that.

AT THE HEIGHT

MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT TOWER WILL

There’s simply nothing quite like looking up at a canopy of Wisconsin’s brilliant fall foliage… except, perhaps, looking down over it.

In Oconto County, home of Oconto Electric Cooperative, visitors can do just that by climbing the 132 steps up the historic Mountain Fire Lookout Tower for a sweeping, bird’s-eye view of the surrounding Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

This view is stunning at any time of year, but in the fall it’s especially beautiful as the forest below bursts into bright colors. It’s also special because it’s a rare opportunity: The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower is the only remaining fire tower in Wisconsin that is open to the public to climb.

“There were 72 fire towers in the State of Wisconsin throughout history,” said Ann Maletzke, a member of the

Friends of the Fire Tower. “There aren’t many left and I do not believe there are any working ones anymore. A lot have been taken down. We are probably one of the only places anywhere that has a fire tower that people can actually climb yet.”

Sentinels of the Past Fire lookout towers like the structure in Mountain once served a very necessary and practical purpose. They were constructed along high vantage points that allowed for maximum viewing of range and distance. Fire spotters would spend hours standing in the cabs at the top of the towers, scanning the horizon for smoke columns and flames.

“I always tell people it’s cool to go to the top and the tower is a piece of history, but just think of the people who actually worked up there,” Maletzke said. “Because

OF FALL

ELEVATE YOUR AUTUMN EXPERIENCE

at the top, the cab is only 7 by 7 feet, and there are absolutely no amenities up there. Just close your eyes and imagine what it would be like to be up there for several hours at a time.”

At their peak, fire towers covered the forested sections of the countryside, with about 8,000 such lookouts by the 1940s. As aerial surveillance measures like drones and planes rendered the fire towers obsolete, many were dismantled or fell into disrepair. Few were saved.

Last One Standing The

100-foot, steel Mountain Fire

Lookout Tower was built under the direction of the Forest Service during the winter of 1934-35. It was constructed by the newly formed Civilian Conservation Corps as part of a 19-tower network that extended across the Nicolet Forest, operating as a forest fire detection system for more than 35 years. The Mountain tower was removed from service in 1970 and later used as a radio relay station for the Forest Service and the Oconto County Sheriff’s Department from 1977 to 1992.

The tower was first restored in 1994 and opened to visitors who’d

climb to the top to take in the view, but the years, the weather, and all those steps took their toll. By the mid 2010s, it was clear something needed to be done.

“The tower was kind of in a state of disrepair,” Maletzke explained. “It was rocking and rolling as you walked up. The steps were in disrepair and the metal was kind of iffy.”

With the tower’s cultural

The view from the top of the Mountain Fire Lookout Tower is especially stunning in autumn.

Another view from the top: Butler Rock

The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower is not the only spot in Oconto County that o ers a bird’s-eye view of the area’s brilliant fall colors. Not far from the tower is Butler Rock, the highest point in Oconto County at approximately 1,093 feet above sea level. A 1.3-mile out-and-back hike will take you from the parking area to the summit, which overlooks the Oconto County Forest. The trail to the summit is mostly easy, although it elevates quickly at the end. However, the view from the top is well worth the e ort of that nal uphill climb.

To get to Butler Rock from Mountain, turn right onto Old 64 Road/Old Hwy 64, turn right onto Butler Rock Road and then left onto Butler Rock Lookout Lane.

significance and historical value—it’s on the National Register of Historic Places and was the first tower in Wisconsin to be placed on the National Historic Lookout Register—dismantling the structure was not an option anyone wanted.

The Oconto County Economic Development Corporation and the Friends of the Fire Tower launched a fund-raising campaign supported by local businesses, organizations, and individuals. Together, they raised more than $11,000 for the tower’s restoration. Employees from the Lakewood-Laona Ranger District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest spent more than 500 hours doing the restoration work, which included replacing all the steps, platforms, and the cab floor. To wrap up the project, Maletzke overcame her selfdescribed fear of heights to join another local volunteer in climbing to the top of the tower to apply a fresh coat of paint to the inside of the cab. The newly restored tower was reopened to the public in 2016.

All that work was soundly tested in July 2019 when a derecho storm tore through the area, bringing dangerously high winds and causing significant destruction.

“I believe the winds were clocked at 80–127 miles an hour, and they lasted about 20 minutes,” Maletzke explained. “It was devastating, and Mountain was ground zero. But the tower is metal and the wooden steps are open, and it withstood the storm. The wind could blow right through it.”

Heightened Experience Although the fire tower has proven itself to be more than sturdy, visitors should be prepared for an experience similar to what the early fire spotters had. The tower is located on high ground already, and it rises 100 feet into the air, for a total elevation of 1,380 feet above sea level. Getting to the top is a workout, as the only way up is to climb the 132 steps to the small, airy cab at the top.

“It’s very, very open,” Maletzke pointed out. “There are the steps, which are open steps, and there are handrails, and that’s about it, all the way up.”

In addition, the tower sways with the wind at the top, which can be a bit unnerving to those who are leery of heights.

However, the view from the top is worth every one of the open steps to get there.

“It’s just a very special place, and the fact that we were able to save our tower when a lot of them had been taken down is amazing.”

–Ann Maletzke, Friends of the Fire Tower

“It’s a stunning spot,” Maletzke said. “The sunsets up there are beautiful. It’s just a very special place, and the fact that we were able to save our tower when a lot of them had been taken down is amazing.”—Mary Erickson, photos courtesy of Katie Jagiello, Oconto Electric Cooperative

The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower is located about 2.5 miles north of Mountain, along Mountain Tower Road. Take Hwy 32 North, turn right onto Sparky’s Lane, then left on Old 32 Road for 2 1/2 miles to the entrance sign on the right-hand side of the road. The tower is open May 1 through October 31. The site is free, but donations are appreciated. For more information, visit www.ocontocounty.org.

On a clear day, the view from the cab atop the Mountain Fire Lookout Tower extends to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Photo at right courtesy of Oconty County Economic Development Corporation

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

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

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.

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.

BEAVER TRAPS FOR SALE. Also, muskrat, mink, and fox traps. Stretchers for all of them. 715-563-6658.

FOR SALE: 20 FT CARGO CONTAINER. Wind & water-tight, excellent condition, railroad container red, Viroqua, WI area. $2,800. 651-604-7226.

OWENSBORO WAGON about 100 yrs old. Always kept in shed. Sold by C.E. Martin & Co. Greenwood, KY. $4,000 715-896-5628.

FOR SALE: 1951 Yellow Oliver OC3 bulldozer with bucket. Needs work, does not run. 54552. Call 715-661-3699.

FOR SALE: TWO ELECTRIC THERMAL STORAGE UNITS. 3 feet long x 2 feet high x 10 inches wide. 608-735-4710.

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

SPOOKY, BUT SAFE

Are you lighting up your yard for Halloween? Whether you’re setting out a single jack-olantern or aiming for the full haunted-mansion look, keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Consider battery-powered or LED lighting for your jack-olanterns rather than candles.

• Inspect each electrical decoration. Check cords for cracking, fraying, or bare wires, as they may cause a serious shock or start a re. Also, inspect for damaged plugs.

• Make sure any lights, animated displays, or other electrical outdoor products are safety tested by a reputable laboratory such as UL (Underwriters Laboratory) and approved for outdoor use. Plug outdoor lights and decorations into ground fault circuit interrupter-protected outlets. Portable GFCIs for outdoor use can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold.

Source: SafeElectricity

POWERING EVERY MOMENT

Just like no two people are the same, no two days are the same. And in between, we all do very di erent things.

But no matter when or how, your local Touchstone Energy cooperative is there to help you power every moment of it.

To learn more, visit TouchstoneEnergy.com YOUR SOURCE FOR POWER. AND INFORMATION.

WISCONSIN EVENTS October 2023

1 St. Michael’s Fall Raffle & Dinner—Gilman. Jump River Community Center, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Grilled chicken dinner. Raffle, country store, games, prizes, polka music.

1 Pigs-in-the-Blanket & Ham Buffet— Benoit. Community Center, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. $12 per person. 715-746-2572.

1–31 Bloomin’ Greenhouse Tour—Clark County. Various locations, all day. Annual self-guided tour of Clark County’s many greenhouses and garden centers. Annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, grasses, trees, shrubs, hostas, daylilies, fairy garden supplies, garden art, home décor, and more! For a brochure, call 715-255-9100.

5–7 Book Sale—Onalaska. Public Library, Thurs., 12–6 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.–noon. Thousands of books, DVDs, magazines, CDs. 608-781-9568.

6–8 Fresh Art Tour—Pepin, Pierce, and Buffalo Counties. Various locations, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Explore scenic backroads and enjoy the season’s art and artistry on a self-guided tour of area home studios and galleries.

7 Fall Harvest Festival—Phillips. Downtown, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Craft vendors, pumpkins, fresh produce, craisins, cranberries, food vendors, pumpkin decorating for kids, and live music.

7 Golf Scramble—Westby. Snowflake Golf Ski Club, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Big-cup, 18-holes. Cost $50 each, prizes at each hole, lunch provided. 608-606-5039.

7 Hooked on Lake Holcombe Fall Festival— Holcombe. United Methodist Church, 12–3 p.m. Brat and hotdog feed, petting zoo, silent auction, bake sale, and outdoor games. Family-friendly.

8 Fall Breakfast—Galloway. St. Joseph Church, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Buffet-style breakfast. Adults $10; 6–12 are $6; 5 and under are free. $10,000 cash raffle. 715-454-6637.

8 Fall Polka Jam—Stratford. Country Aire Bar & Banquet Hall, 12–5 p.m. Free admission. 715-389-1232.

11 Harvest Dinner—Jim Falls. United Methodist Church, 4:30–7 p.m. Ham loaf dinner. 715-382-4428.

14 Craft Sale—Appleton. American Legion Post #38, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Handmade items only, no direct sales. Alpacas on site for the kids plus some great fall, Christmas, and other items. Admission $1.

14 Arts and Crafts Sale—Bloomer. Elementary School, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Vendors may contact 612-720-8970.

14 Oktoberfest “Sip & Shop” Craft and Vendor Event—Boyceville. High School, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Over 50 vendors and crafters. Over 50 raffle items, 2 quilt raffles, food will be served, and several unique boutiques and eateries in the area will be open this day.

14 The Civil War Experience—Coon Valley. Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Civil War expert reenactments and both Yankee and Confederate camps share in-depth knowledge of Civil War era life. Admission $8 for 10 and up; $5 for kids 5–10 years; and free for 4 and younger.

14 Annular Solar Eclipse—Fall Creek. Hobbs Observatory at Beaver Creek Reserve, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Learn about the relationship between the sun, the moon, and the earth. Borrow a pair of eclipse glasses to view the eclipse. All ages, register by Oct. 11. Walk-ins welcome! Cost: members $5; non-members $10. 715-877-2212.

14 Fall Festival—Bagley. Downtown, 12–4 p.m. Vendor stands, classic car show, wagon rides, soup and sandwich luncheon, specials at local businesses, and children’s games. 608-412-2749.

14 Dirt Drag Races—Hub City. Mick Memorial Park, 4–11:45 p.m. For more info, call 608-604-5143.

14 Church Ham Supper—Menomonie. Little Elk Creek Church, 4:30–7 p.m. Adults $10; age 6–12 are $5; preschoolers are free.

14 Toy Show—Cuba City. Banfields Swiss Haus, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. 608-732-1361.

18 Bats & Booze—Eau Claire. The Brewing Projekt, 5:30–7 p.m. Registration required by midnight Oct. 15. Cost $15. Talk is about all things bats. All ages welcome but geared towards adults. Register on the Beaver Creek Reserve website.

19 Soup & Sandwich Supper—Camp Douglas. Legion Hall, 5–7 p.m.

21 Fall Flea Market—LaFarge. Valley Community Center, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Bake sale, silent auction, lunch, vendors, 50–50 raffle, rummage, gunsmith, and sales. 608-489-3867.

21 Lutefisk Supper and Bake & Craft Sale—Iola. Northland Lutheran Church, 12:30–6:30 p.m. Serving torske (boiled cod), lefse, homemade meatballs, and Norwegian pastries such as rosettes, krumkakes, sandbakkels, and fattigmann cookies. Tickets at door: $22 ages 13–adult and $10 ages 6–12. 715-445-2956.

21 Fall Party & Annual Meeting—Fall Creek. Beaver Creek Reserve Outdoor Classroom, 4–8 p.m. Wear warm and/or fall or Halloween-themed clothing. Owl banding report, kid’s activities, fall movie, and pumpkin decorating. Register at the Beaver Creek Reserve website by Oct. 16.

22 Swedish Meatball Dinner—Greenwood. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Drive-thru only (lower level).

26 Boofest—Fall Creek. Beaver Creek Reserve, 3:30–6:30 p.m. Costumes encouraged. Trick-or-treat, decorate a pumpkin, learn about creepy crawlies, and more. Cost for members: $8 adults; $5 ages 2–15. Non-members: $10 adults; $7 ages 2–15. Register at the Beaver Creek Reserve website by Oct. 25.

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

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

Send photos of kids with animals, along with a brief description, to WECN Magazine, 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703. Please include the name of your electric co-op. Photos will be returned. If in goodresolution, 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.

ENERGY VAMPIRES WORD SEARCH

Are energy vampires hiding in your home? ese electronic devices consume electricity even when they’re not in use and can drain home energy bills.

Read the tips below to learn how you can ght energy vampires, then nd and circle the bolded words in the puzzle.

Tips to Fight Energy Vampires:

• If your phone is juiced up, unplug your phone charger.

• Tell your parents to unplug the co ee maker when they’re finished brewing.

• When you’re finished playing that new game, unplug your game console

• Unplug laptop computers when you’re done with homework.

Tatum plants a kiss on her friendly burro, Bismark. Photo submitted by JadeAnn Oliver, a member of Vernon Electric.

Liam tells his new calf, Buck, to smile for the camera. Photo submitted by Mary McCormick, a member of Dunn Energy.

Caleb’s dog, Maggie, has been a source of comfort as Caleb recovers from having a tumor removed from his brain. Photo submitted by Grandma Mary Johnson, a member of Riverland Energy.