Rural Electric Nebraskan by Nebraska Rural Electric Association

August 2012

Volume 66, Number 8, August 2012

“The Rural Voice of Nebraska”

Staff Editor Wayne Price Editorial Assistant Kathy Barkmeier

Contents Features

From Sea to Shining Sea

Published by the

Visit us at www.nrea.org General Manager Jay Holmquist President Gary Dill, Roosevelt Public Power District Vice President/Secretary Randy Papenhausen, Cedar-Knox Public Power District

Finding ways to save on your energy bills can be as different as apples and oranges. The key is knowing which energy efficiency measures are best for your climate — and remembering to call your local electric utility before tackling a major project.

America’s National Parks America’s National Parks offer something for everyone for a relatively low price. You can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and rafting, shop for locally made crafts at gift shops, tour museums, explore cliff dwellings, take guided full moon walks, and learn about science and biology at ranger talks.

Treasurer Ron Jensen, Loup Valleys Rural Public Power District Published monthly by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln, Nebraska 68501, (402) 475-4988.

Advertising in the Rural Electric Nebraskan does not imply endorsement for products by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association. Correspondence should be sent to Wayne Price, Editor, Rural Electric Nebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501. The Rural Electric Nebraskan is printed by Jacob North Companies, Box 82046, Lincoln, NE 68501. Form 3579 should be sent to the Rural Electric Nebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501. Periodicals postage paid at Lincoln, Neb. POSTMASTER: send address changes to the Rural Electric Nebraskan, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501. Publication numbers are USPS 071-630 and ISSN 0193-4937. Rates: $10 for one year; $15 for two years; $20 for three years, plus local and state tax.

August 2012

Departments EDITOR’S PAGE

SAFETY BRIEFS — Murphy

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS by James Dulley

RECIPES

ADULT PEN PALS

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS

On the cover Officially known as school District Number 21, the school at the Homestead National Monument of America was a center of education for prairie children from 1872 until 1967. See releated story on page 12. Photograph by Wayne Price.

EDITOR’S PAGE

It takes a village to run an electric system might be biased, but in my opinion, public power districts and electric cooperatives are great places to work. I reached my 10 year anniversary at the Nebraska Rural Electric Association last year and I had worked at Norris Public Power District for eight years before that. When I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a journalism degree in 1992 I never expected that I would get a job in the electric industry. That just sort of happened by chance. In 1994 I was working for the Beatrice Daily Sun, my first job with a daily newspaper. I covered the city and agriculture beats and was assigned a story on Norris Public Power District. I interviewed the general manager and when it was over he asked if I would be interested in coming to his office to interview for a position in their marketing and communications department. I did and was offered a job writing and designing their monthly publication, The Norris Electric News. I was responsible for helping to educate the customers about the district’s programs and activities. I also learned how to do energy audits and met with customers looking to save money on their electric bill. When I heard the position of editor for the Rural Electric Nebraskan was open I applied. And the rest is history, as the saying goes. The electric industry is facing an interesting time. Public power districts and electric co-ops expect nearly 10 percent of lineworkers and almost 18 percent of engineers and operations staff will retire over the next five years, according to Russell Turner, principal, human capital issues, for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the service organization for the nation’s more than 900 PPDs and electric co-ops. The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), a non-profit group in Washington, D.C., that studies labor shortages in the utility and nuclear power industries, predicts that 46 percent of existing skilled technicians and 51 percent of engineers in the electric and natural gas utilities may need to be replaced by 2015 because of retirement or attrition.

by Wayne Price

Follow me @RENeditor 4

So at a time when retirements are on the rise, I wanted to take a moment to share the advantages of working with our team. We are here to serve our customers not only with safe, affordable, and reliable electric power, but also with community support and programs that help you save energy and money. Because we make a difference in people’s lives, those of us who work in the electric utility industry tend to be a happy bunch. In general, public power districts and electric co-ops offer competitive salaries and benefits in a time when many companies are scaling back. And they offer a stable work environment. Many employees start here and stay here throughout their career. While our lineworkers remain our public face, it takes many more departments to run a public power district or electric cooperative. On a typical staff we have communicators; accountants; key accounts representatives, who work with our commercial and industrial members; billing clerks; public relations professionals, who cultivate relationships with local, state, and national opinion leaders and keep them updated on issues important to us and the communities we serve; information technology professionals; warehouse staff; and staking technicians and engineers, who plot where new power lines will be built. The average rural electric utility has 48 employees. In Nebraska, Dawson Public Power District in Lexington, Neb. employs the most with 83 while Roosevelt PPD in Mitchell, Neb. and Chimney Rock PPD in Bayard, Neb. have the fewest with 11. In most cases, the largest group of employees at an electric utility is lineworkers, followed by administrative assistants and engineering and operations staff. I strongly encourage young people to consider career opportunities within the electric industry network. Working at a public power district or electric cooperative is a pleasure, and we’re looking out for you by recruiting the best and brightest employees to serve you to the best of our abilities. You can learn about job openings at www.nrea.org or national opportunities at www.TouchstoneEnergy.jobs.

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Avoid the pitfalls of an inefficient bathroom fan alk into your bathroom, turn on the light and fan, and the first thing you think about is energy efficiency, right? Well, probably not. But in any case your bathroom’s exhaust system could be letting you down. Many homes have bathroom fans that: • are too noisy • move little air • are not energy efficient • may cause backdraft So how can you avoid these pitfalls? First, identify what size of fan you need. Fan size is usually rated in the amount of air it can move in terms of cubic feet per minute (CFM). Most experts recommend eight air changes per hour for bathrooms. Determine your bathroom’s volume (cubic feet = length x width x ceiling height). Take the cubic feet and divide by 60, which is the number of minutes in an hour. Now multiply by eight, which is the targeted number of air changes. When shopping, round up to the nearest size. Next, choose the quietest, most energy-efficient fan in the size range required. Most fan labels have Home Ventilating Institute ratings so you can compare noise levels, as well as their energy efficiency. Fan noise is rated in “sones.” The lower the sone rating, the quieter the fan. Efficiency can be compared by how many CFM of air a fan moves per watt of electricity the fan requires. The best fans have sound ratings of 0.5 sones or less and move about 21⁄2 CFM of air per watt. For added assurance of quality and efficiency, look for the Energy Star label Third, select low-resistance (smooth) exhaust ducting. Seal the joints and insulate sections that run through unheated spaces. This will help maintain the fan’s air volume rating while reducing the amount of heat gained or lost while the fan is not operating. Undersized or droopy flex ducting, ineffective or dirty

August 2012

backdraft dampers and exhaust louvers can cut rated airflow by more than 50 percent. Also, duct the exhaust air to where it will not cause moisture damage. Many times, this requires ducting to the outdoors. Remember, if you have combustion appliances such as natural gas or propane water heaters, gas furnaces, or gas fireplaces, backdraft may be a concern. Because fans can have the potential to create a negative pressure in your living space, they may cause the combustion appliance exhaust to back up into the indoor environment. Not only should you assure this will not happen by installing sealed-combustion appliances, it is always a good idea to have a working carbon monoxide detector in use for an

extra layer of safety. Fifth, install proper controls. Bathroom fans connected to light switches start running when the light is turned on. Often, users turn the light “off” before all the moisture is exhausted after a bath or shower. However, a separate fan toggle switch often means the fan is left running longer than necessary. Instead, use a timer switch with a maximum of 60 minutes. This should keep the fan running for at least 10 minutes after you leave the room to remove excess humidity. Following these simple steps will help you save energy and confirm installation of a quality, energy efficient bathroom fan that will provide you years of service. For other ideas on how you can become more EnergyWise, visit with your local electric utility or go to www.nppd.com/save-energy. Source: NPPD

From Sea to Shining Sea How energy efficiency varies across the country by Megan McKoy-Noe o matter where you live in the United States, you can flip a switch and brighten a room. However, finding ways to save on your energy bills can be as different as apples and oranges. The key is knowing which energy efficiency measures are best for your climate — and remembering to call your local electric utility before tackling a major project, such as installing a new heat pump. Energy efficiency experts at your utility can guide you in making the best decisions for your area.

Feeling hot, hot, hot In general, the U.S. can be divided into three climates: hot, temperate, and cold. But it’s actually a bit more complicated, especially across the southern tier of the nation. The southwest is hot and dry, the southeast hot and humid, with a slice running from the center of the Gulf states north to southern Ohio and west to Kansas defined as “mixed humid” — meaning sometimes it’s hot and humid, but sometimes temperate. Below the temperate line, some of the

challenges are the same for homeowners and builders, such as controlling heat gain from the sun and choosing the proper heating and cooling system. But if you draw a line down the middle of Texas, moving east or west from that point changes the dynamics of energy efficiency. For example, folks in the hot and humid southeast must control serious moisture issues, which are usually handled through air conditioning, proper ventilation, and moisture barriers put in during construction. Homeowners in the dry southwestern climate, where days are hot and nights cool, can take advantage of the chill evening breezes to give air conditioners a break. In addition, they can design landscaping to create more air flow through their house. “If temperatures fall below 68 degrees at night and humidity is low, Your home’s windows can help you can open your manage the interior tempera- windows and use ture—whether you use natural fresh air to cool your ventilation, apply a reflective home,” says Brian film, or simply shut the blinds Sloboda, senior produring the hottest hours of the gram manager with Cooperative day. Photograph by Kelly the Research Network, Trapnell

an arm of the Arlington, Va.-based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “More importantly, natural air cools objects — like walls and furniture — that would take air conditioning hours to accomplish. If you use natural ventilation, you probably won’t need to run your air conditioner until much later the next day.” Landscaping, done the right way, can help as well. Strategically planted trees and shrubs provide a pathway for cool air to make its way into your home. However, if you keep your air conditioner running all night because you live in a high-humidity area, it’s best to direct wind away

Rural Electric Nebraskan

These films require special care when cleaning.

United States Climate Zones from your house. Trees in the right spot can decrease your home’s energy use by up to 25 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). By planting deciduous trees — those that lose their leaves every year — to the south and west of your home, you’ll gain shade in the summer and sunshine in the winter. According to DOE, a 6-foot-tall, 8-inch-diameter deciduous tree offers shade the first year and will begin block the sun on your roof line in five to 10 years. If you want shade all the time or need to block winter winds, choose evergreens. But when choosing your

August 2012

greenery, keep in mind that trees should never be planted underneath a power line. Call your public power district or electric cooperative to find out how far from lines you should plant, and then check out ArborDay.org to learn about the types of trees that are best for your home’s landscape. To block strong solar rays, you may want to consider applying reflective window film on east- and west-facing windows that receive the most direct sunlight. Your windows will appear tinted from the inside, obscuring views from the outside and possibly protecting your home from burglars.

The big chill Almost half the country falls into a “cold or very cold” climate, which makes adequate insulation and heating choices important. While heat pumps are a perfect choice in a temperate zone, they can be problematic farther north when temperatures dip below a certain point — about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. In this part of the country, heat pumps require a supplemental heating source. “Here, dual fuel systems come in handy,” Sloboda remarks. “The heat pump works through spring, summer, and fall, and then a natural gas, propane, heating oil-fired or supplemental-electric furnance kicks in on very cold days. These setups can get pricey, but they solve the problem and allow homeowners to reap the energy efficiency benefits of a heat pump.” Sloboda encourages consumers to call their local electric cooperatives to find out if they have incentive programs for dual fuel systems. Whatever heating/cooling system you select, it won’t help much if your home isn’t properly insulated. DOE estimates that only 20 percent of homes built before 1980 are wellinsulated, so there’s a good chance that adding more will help to cut your energy bills. How much insulation you need and what kind really depends on your home. So do some research on EnergySavers.gov, and use DOE’s insulation calculator at www.ornl.gov. Also, of course, talk to a licensed professional about installation, and Sloboda recommends one more step. “Make sure to seal places where outside air may infiltrate before adding insulation,” Sloboda notes. “Sealing ductwork with mastic, caulking and applying weather stripping around doors and windows, and checking less-obvious culprits like recessed canister lights are easy place to start.” Please turn to page 8

From Sea to Shining Sea From page 7 Coast-to-Coast Savings Energy expert Alan Shedd, director of residential & commercial energy programs with Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, the national branding program of the nation’s public power districts and electric co-ops, shares some ways to save that work any time, anywhere: • Unplug cell chargers — and other electronics — when they are not in use. “Plug loads” are one of the quickest growing areas of energy waste, which can easily be solved by plugging these items into a power strip, and then flipping the switch on the strip when you leave the house. “Smart” strips are even savvier — they have different outlets for different electronics, leaving items like your cable box on while turning off power to your television. • Look for the Energy Star logo when buying new appliances, lightbulbs, or electronics. Qualified items meet federal energy efficiency standards designed to save energy and money. • Choose compact fluorescent lights

Efficiency looks different depending on where you live! Following these steps will deliver the biggest bang for your energy efficiency dollars in your region of the country.

West and Midwest: - Seal air leaks around windows and doors to protect against strong winds. - Plant deciduous trees to block sunlight from the roof and walls during summer while allowing sunlight to help heat your home in winter.

Southeast: - Install a high-efficiency air-conditioning system. - Add reflective film on windows to block heat from the sun, making rooms that receive direct sunlight cooler.

Northeast: - Properly insulate your home. - Add landscaping that creates wind breaks.

(CFLs) or light-emitting diode (LED) lamps when replacing lightbulbs — and turn off those lights when you leave a room. • Use energy management features on computers, electronics, and appliances — they won’t save energy if you

Most homes built before 1980 need more insulation, according to estimates by the U.S. Department of Energy. Measure the depth of your attic’s insulation, then use DOE’s calculator to determine how much more is recommended. Photograph by Kelly Trapnell

don’t tell them to. Shedd also directs energy-conscious co-op members to TogetherWeSave.com to learn more. “The best feature of this website is the ability to get local costs, not national estimates,” he notes. “Enter your ZIP code, and the website adjusts tips and prices to match the part of the country where you live. You can also play games on the site to find out how much money a certain action will save, and read about ways other co-op consumers came up with their own energy efficiency solutions.” He concludes: “Overall, don’t be wasteful. Turn items off when they are not being used. Why pay for electricity you really aren’t using?” Sources: Cooperative Research Network, U.S. Department of Energy Magen Howard writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit public power districts and electric cooperatives. Kelly Trapnell contributed to this article.

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Keep the heat outside s summer rages across Nebraska, the Alliance to Save Energy provides energy efficiency tips that can lower home energy bills even as the temperature soars outside. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Simple energy efficiency steps can make your home more comfortable while also easing the strain on your budget,â&#x20AC;? says Alliance President Kateri Callahan. The Alliance has projected that the average U.S. household will spend around $2,100 on home energy this year, but these â&#x20AC;&#x153;no sweatâ&#x20AC;? tips can help you beat the heat and save money: â&#x20AC;˘ Plug energy leaks with weather stripping and caulking, and be sure your house is properly insulated, to save up to 20 percent on energy bills. â&#x20AC;˘ Consider replacing single-pane windows with efficient Energy Star qualified windows to save $150$500 per year, depending on your climate. â&#x20AC;˘ Curtains and shades on the sunny sides of your home will provide additional relief. â&#x20AC;˘ Chose energy-efficient lighting, since inefficient incandescent light bulbs waste 90 percent of their energy as heat instead of light. Instead, choose efficient incandescents that use halogen technology, CFLs and LEDs, which are 25 to 75 percent more energy-efficient than traditional incandescents. â&#x20AC;˘ A programmable thermostat automatically coordinates temperatures in your home with your daily and weekend patterns to reduce your bills up to 10 percent. Be sure to program the device properly to raise the temperature while your house is empty and lower it again shortly before you return â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to a cool, comfortable, energy-saving home. â&#x20AC;˘ Using ceiling fans to circulate air will make you feel cooler and can allow you to raise the temperature setting on your AC by a few degrees. But be sure to turn the fan off when you leave the room, because fans cool people, not rooms.

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Keep an eye on cattle when the mercury rises Triple digit temperatures mean watching cattle for heat stress hen temperatures hit the triple digits, cattle producers need to take steps to ward off heat stress in their herds, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln beef specialist said. Cattle can begin to experience some level of heat stress when the heat index approaches 80 degrees, with most cattle being severely stressed when the heat index exceeds 100 degrees, said Terry Mader, beef specialist at UNL’s Haskell Agricultural Laboratory near Concord. Also, when early morning temperatures or the heat indices are in the mid-70s, chances are cattle did not adequately cool down at night, and feedlot managers should be prepared to provide as much relief to cattle as possible during the day. Water is probably the best way to dissipate heat, Mader said. Cattle normally take in about 5 to 8 gallons of water per day. However, when temperatures rise, that amount can double or even triple. “It’s important to have plenty of available water,” he said. “When there is competition for water, it creates problems because the dominant

animals will occupy waterer space and not allow other animals access.” If cattle are crowding around the watering trough, add more waterer capacity or move some of the animals to pens that will give them adequate access to water, Mader said. In an emergency, cattle can be sprayed with water to cool them down. However, once producers do that, they need to repeat or continue spraying until the heat subsides. Spraying cattle with water will allow the animal to rapidly dissipate heat through evaporative cooling processes but this may limit the animal’s ability to adapt to the heat. If the pen surface is dry, wetting the pen also will provide relief to confined animals. It is always beneficial to start the wetting or cooling process in the morning before the cattle get too hot. Another suggested heat stress mitigation tactic is to use bedding to decrease surface temperatures animals are exposed to, Mader said. Generally it’s thought bedding is for insulation against cold stress. However, straw can aid in breaking up or diffusing the solar heat load that often contributes to heating up

dry, bare ground. The degree bedding is effective in doing this is unknown. However, if used, it is suggested bedding be placed in the pen early in the morning when the ground has cooled; otherwise, heat will be trapped in the pen surface. Also, wetting the bedding would allow for additional cooling to occur when the animal uses it. Producers should avoid handling cattle when it’s hot and never after 10 a.m. Cattle body temperatures can rise an additional 0.5 to 3.5 degrees during handling. Cattle yards also should be free of any structures that restrict airflow. Cutting down vegetation around pens and moving cattle away from windbreaks can all help. Building earth mounds in pens also can increase airflow by preventing cattle from bunching together. Other heat stress mitigation strategies include: providing shade, controlling biting flies and other parasites, keeping very current on cattle marketings and being mindful of heat effects on personnel as well. Source: University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

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Scotts Bluff was a landmark on the Oregon Trail, associated with overland migration between 1843 and 1869 across the Great Plains.

America’s National Parks: Big Value for a Low Price by Karen Olson House

hen it comes to vacations, America’s national parks are a perennial favorite. From roaring geysers and sandy seascapes to frontier forts and presidents’ homes, these unique treasures boast magnificent landscapes and cultural enrichment. Lately, they’ve been getting even better. Visitors are reaping the benefits of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed in 2009, which funded improvements to national park facilities and roads. Ninety-nine percent of those park projects are completed, according to Jeff Olson, spokesman for the National Park Service (NPS) in Washington, D.C. As just one example, the scenic Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia sports dozens of new overlooks with jaw-dropping views and new interpretative signs. National parks, nearly 400 now, offer something for everyone for a relatively low price. You can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and rafting, shop for locally made crafts at gift shops, tour museums, explore cliff dwellings, take guided full moon walks, and learn about science and biology at ranger talks. There are several national parks and monuments in Nebraska, including Scotts Bluff National Monument, and the Homestead National Monument of America. Scotts Bluff National Monument is located on 3,005 acres next to the North Platte River, three miles west of Gering, Nebraska, and five miles southwest of Scottsbluff. The visitor center is just off NE 92. Rising 800 feet above the North Platte River valley floor, this massive rock promontory was a landmark on the Oregon Trail, associated with overland migration between 1843 and 1869 across the Great Plains. The monument museum contains exhibits about the human and natural history of the area and also holds a unique collection of watercolor paintings by the frontier photographer and artist William Henry Jackson. The park’s Summit Road allows visitors to drive to the top of Scotts Bluff

Rural Electric Nebraskan

for a spectacular view of the valley. The 1.6-mile Saddle Rock Trail leads hikers from the visitor center to the summit, and the 0.5-mile Oregon Trail Pathway leads from the visitor center to the remnants of the Oregon Trail. The park is open daily except for Christmas and New Year's Day. The Homestead National Monument of America is located five miles west of Beatrice, Neb. The park includes a Heritage Center and Education Center and tells the homesteading story with new interactive displays, a magnificent view of the tallgrass prairie as early pioneers might have seen and a one acre parking lot to give visitors a feeling for the enormous task homesteaders faced.

introduced members of their family to national parks,” says Olson. “Parents and grandparents are now introducing their children to parks. These are places where you learn about American heritage and culture.” Those who enjoy technology won’t be disappointed. For example, visitors to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., can use the NPS’s free app. The app displays the user’s location, highlights historical and cultural points of interest, provides tour suggestions, and gives directions to more than 70 sites. Inside other national parks (rural or urban), visitors can deepen their experiences through their smart phones and other mobile devices at visitors’ centers and exhibits. Park websites sport live webcams, pod-

The Homestead Heritage Center is designed to represent the Homestead Act of 1862 with its spectacular views and unique roof line resembling a single bottom plow moving through the sod.

The Palmer-Epard Cabin, which was first built in 1867, now sits near the Heritage Center. The beauty and slower pace found from a park vacation have a way of drawing families or couples together. Seeing birds flutter and animals forage brings out the softer side of humans. Parents are reminded that food cooked over a campfire tastes better. Kids remember how to make their own fun. Those in their twenties finally bond, adult to adult, with their parents. And even the most sullen teenager will crack a smile by the end of a day or two. “For generations now, people have

August 2012

casts, and links to lively social media as well. For lodging, people sometimes picture a grand historic lodge or a tent campground. While these are great options, there are typically other choices through concessioners in the park or in nearby towns. One reason that Great Smoky Mountains Park is continually ranked the No. 1 most popular U.S. national park is accessibility. It’s close to Gatlinburg, Tenn., Cherokee, N.C., and Bryson City, N.C., which cater to visitors with a wide variety of affordable accommodations, restaurants, shops, museums, and other attractions. Popular Acadia

National Park in Maine has no “roof” lodging in the park, but the historic village of Bar Harbor offers house vacation rentals, cottages, motels and B&B's that suit all budgets. Consider your priorities. Do you want to drive your car, or fly to the closest airport and rent one? Cook or eat out? Sleep under the stars in the backcountry or on a real bed? Do you prefer to be near cities or to venture out? People are surprised that some parks are close to major metropolitan areas. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, blessed with a winding river and fascinating canal history, is only 30 minutes from Cleveland. It also hosts scenic train rides and evening concerts. Stanford House, a bed-andbreakfast inn in the park, has a selfservice kitchen and wireless Internet. The renovated farmhouse’s room rates, which include a continental breakfast with cereal and fresh fruit, start around $50 for a small room with a bunk bed and shared bath. If you really want to get away from it all, Big Bend National Park in Texas may fit the bill. It has spectacular canyon and mountain scenery, with lots of plants and animals and more types of birds than any other national park in the United States. It pays to do your homework. Biscayne National Park boasts urban proximity, colorful coral reefs, and first-rate scuba diving and snorkeling. It’s within sight of downtown Miami, but that doesn’t mean its logistics are easy. More than 95 percent of this marine park is covered by water, so transportation is by boat here. Finally, stay open to lesser-known parks. A newer park, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado, receives a fraction of the Grand Canyon’s numbers. However, its canyon’s combination of narrowness and vertical drop are unmatched by any other in North America. Karen Olson House is a contributing editor for Carolina Country magazine, published monthly by the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives for its members. She is based in Raleigh.

Tips for a successful college moving day into one hectic weekend. Also, moving trucks are typically cheaper to rent in the middle of the week.

by Brandon Farestad - Rittel

Condense What You Can If you have bags, suitcases or even coolers, think about how you can use them like boxes. Pack the small stuff inside larger items like Russian nesting dolls. The fewer trips you have to take back and forth, the more time and money you’ll save.

he countdown has begun to move out of your parents’ basement and into college housing. Freedom is so close you can taste it; no longer will your comings and goings be monitored. You can eat pizza and cookies for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But before these dreams become reality, there’s a lot of work to be done with the whole relocation thing. To help you combat packing panic, here are 12 moving tips to get you smartly on your way.

Don’t Pay for Packing Before you buy expensive packing materials to protect your precious possessions, consider what you already have around. Dish towels, T-shirts and pillows all make for great packing materials. Your local grocery store will usually contribute some free empty boxes if you ask nicely during off-peak times. To cover more delicate furniture, hit a thrift shop for cheap blankets and tape them in place.

Start Sorting Before you begin loading up boxes, go through all your stuff and weed out items you don’t want. There’s no point in adding this clutter to your new place. Remember, one person’s trash is another’s treasure. Before dumping and donating unwanted items, give friends and neighbors a chance to dig through for hand-me-downs. They’ll appreciate the thought and it’s one less thing for you to move.

Wait to Buy If you’re the type that likes to plan ahead, it’s tempting to shop for everything you think you’ll need before the big move. In many cases, you won’t need nearly as much as you expect. Fill in the space with what you already have before picking up a new sofa or coffee table. Once you know what you need, go shopping with roommates and save on some shared items. Try using coupons for discounts on back-to-college lines from stores like Target. They can easily be found at such sites as CouponSherpa.com.

Run Down the Damage College houses are not always in the greatest condition. Since you don’t want to be on the hook for other tenants’ wild times, get together with the landlord before you move in and do a walk through. Document any existing damage, snap a few photos and get the landlord to sign off on a list of problem areas. This will ensure you don’t get nailed for pre-existing issues. Set Up Your Services Before moving day, make sure to call the electric, water and cable companies so you have service as soon as you arrive. There’s nothing more disappointing than moving in and finding the lights aren’t working.

Take Advantage of Your Schedule One of the many great things about college is flexible scheduling. If you have the option, plan to move midweek. This way, you can move at your own pace and don’t have to compete with others cramming their move

Bribe Family and Friends Trying to lug a floppy mattress up three flights of stairs by yourself is no fun at all. Your closest friends might help you with the move, but likely with some reluctance since no one likes moving. Sweeten the deal by planning in advance and offering bribes. A free meal can make it harder to resist.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Watch the Sun You won’t find much relaxation in a scented candle when it’s melted all over your clothes. Even though temperatures are dropping, mid-day heat is still strong at the end of summer. If you have items that can melt or will be damaged by the sun, make sure to pack them in an easily accessible place and unload them first. Don’t forget about the bathroom, either. Aerosol products, such as body spray or sunscreen, can explode after sitting in the sun. Ask About Student Discounts You’re already paying a ton for tuition; you might as well make the most of your status as a student. Whether you’re picking up packing supplies, a new couch or just some snacks, there’s no harm in asking about a student discount. Start Big, Finish Small Once you get settled in there’s going to be plenty of time to unpack your knick-knacks. Instead of worrying about the small stuff, get major items out of the way first. Couches, beds and tables should all be in place before you begin putting up posters. Having your furniture set up will allow you to fill in the gaps and make your new house feel like a home.

Ways to avoid the “Freshman 15”

ost incoming college students have heard about the “Freshman 15”. It means the average student gains fifteen pounds during their first year in college. Whether it is true or not, keep these tips in mind to help you eat and stay healthy as you adjust to eating on campus. 1. Walk whenever and wherever you can on campus. Campus may be big or small, hilly or flat, but no matter what: it’s most likely someplace you can walk. 2. Be part of an intramural sports team. Intramural sports can be a great way to learn a new sport, meet people, and stay healthy. 3. Use the campus gym. It’s probably free, or very cheap. Find a workout partner who is also interested in going on a regular basis, and help hold each other accountable.

4. Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Mom was right: your day does go better when you eat a good breakfast. Grab some oatmeal to go. 5. Stock up on healthy snacks.. Even if you don’t have a fridge in your room, you can keep pretzels, fruit (dried or fresh), healthy nuts, and energy bars on hand. 6. Be smart if you order food late at night. Studying late with your roommate and want to order pizza? Choose cheese only instead of loading up on toppings. 7. Treat yourself every once in a while. Giving in to the self-serve ice cream machine or the donut you are craving for breakfast is fine. Just don't do it every day. Remember, you do deserve a treat every once in a while! 8. Do something physical every weekend. Go for a run or bike ride.

Map Out a Floor Plan It really helps to plan where furniture will fit before you move. Rough out a floor plan and fit in the major pieces so you have a guide on moving day. It also helps to have someone guide the move-in process. Spend the day playing traffic cop, indicating where boxes and furniture should be placed so you don’t have to move everything after your crew has left. Brandon Farestad-Rittel is a college-savings expert for Kinoli Inc. Based on his own college experiences and extensive research, this recent graduate has covered a variety of topics, including the college selection process, for-profit colleges, and the modern era of textbooks.

August 2012

SAFETY BRIEFS

Reduce water heater setting to avoid serious burn ust two seconds of exposure to water that is heated to 150 degrees Fahrenheit will cause a third-degree burn — the most serious type — in most adults. Every year, almost 6,800 people are scalded by hot tap water. Most of these accidents involve the elderly and children under the age of four. Water heated to 140 degrees can result in a third-degree burn in just six seconds. But if water is kept at 120 degrees, it takes five minutes of exposure to develop a serious burn. Burns have long been recognized as among the most painful and devastating injuries a person can sustain and survive. Burns often require long periods of rehabilitation, multiple skin grafts, and painful physical therapy, and they can leave victims with lifelong physical and psychological trauma. Children, especially ages four and under, may not perceive danger, have less control of their environment, may lack the ability to escape a lifethreatening burn situation and may not be able to tolerate the physical stress of a post-burn injury. An average of ten children ages 14 and under

die from scald burn-related injuries each year. Children ages 4 and under account for nearly all of these deaths. Very few of us need to set our water heater temperature to more than 120 degrees; most dishwashers today preheat water to make sure that dishes are sterilized. Setting your water heater temperature too high is just an invitation for a serious accident.

First check the temperature setting on your electric water heater. Hold a candy or meat thermometer under the faucet to check water temperature. If the water is 120 degrees, the thermostat is fine. If it’s higher, you’ll want to reduce the thermostats setting. Don’t use hot water for two hours before resetting your thermostat. To adjust the thermostat start by shutting off the electrical current to the water heater, then turn off the circuit breaker to the heater or remove the fuse that serves the heater. Most electric water heaters have two thermostats; you must set both to the same temperature for proper operation. To reach these thermostats, remove the upper and lower access panels. Adjust the thermostat following the instructions provided with the water heater. If you’re not sure how to adjust your electric water heater, call your electric cooperative for help. If you have a gas water heater, call your gas company for information. Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Safe Kids Campaign

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Home Wiring Over the Hill? Consider easy electrical upgrades to boost safety around an older home othing has the charm of an older home on a family farm or a cute cottage in a historical downtown district. But cosmetic and structural upgrades are often packged with the cozy charm. When upgrading your home, a fresh coat of paint and updated fixtures may come to mind. But what about hiring a professional to update the wiring behind a switch plate or outlet? Do you know the hidden dangers of aged wiring in your home? Don’t take on wiring problems yourself — electrical upgrades often require a professional who knows what inspections and permits are needed. Here are a few clues to find out if your home’s electric network needs a professional switch. Type of wiring. Modern wiring is insulated, meaning it is covered in plastic. Older homes may have copper or aluminum wiring. Copper wiring can work just as well as modern wiring if it is still in good condition and has not been altered or improperly installed. However, fire risk increases in homes with both cooper and aluminum wiring. Corrosion to aluminum from copper can lead to loose connections causing fires. Use only aluminumapproved switches, outlets, and other accessories if your home has aluminum wiring. Plugs fall out of outlets easily. Loose plugs are a high

fire danger. Older outlets that have lost their grip need to be replaced. Luckily this upgrade is affordable. Not enough outlets. The increasing use of chargers for phones and many other electronic devices means outlets are in high demand, especially in older homes where outlets are not as plentiful. A lack of outlets can result in overuse of extension cords and power strips. Be sure to use quality, 14-gauge or thicker cords that are approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Never overload an outlet. Overloading can cause heat, leading to fire risk. Consider hiring a licensed electrician to add outlets to your home. Danger in wet areas. GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets are now required in areas around water like near a kitchen or bathroom sink or outdoors. But in older homes, GFCIs may not have been installed. It is fairly simple to replace old receptacles with GFCIs; hire a professional to upgrade outlets near water. Wind causes lights to blink. If you notice your lights blinking on windy days, it may be due to worn wiring in the weatherhead (where overhead lines enter your home). Contact your public power district or electric coop to check weatherhead wiring. Source: This Old House, Underwriters Laboratories

Don’t take on wiring problems yourself.

August 2012

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS

Creating kitchen comfort when remodeling by James Dulley

I like to cook, but the kitchen Q :gets uncomfortably warm during summer, even with air conditioning. We are planning to remodel the kitchen soon. What are some tips to keep it comfortable and efficient? : Heat and water vapor buildup

A can quickly take the fun out of cooking. During summer, you can figure on doubling the energy use of the cooking itself because the air conditioner is using more electricity to remove the extra heat and humidity. Because you are planning to remodel your kitchen, there are three basic concepts to consider for efficiency — design/layout of the kitchen, selection of appliances, and general kitchen efficiency tips. Your goal is to use as little heat as possible to prepare your meals. Keep in mind: All of the electricity used, including for items like lighting, ends up as heat energy in your kitchen. Layout When laying out the floor plan for your remodeled kitchen, use the “kitchen triangle” concept for both efficiency and convenience. The three areas used most often are the sink, range, and refrigerator. Try to locate these in an equilateral triangle as much as possible. If your kitchen is relatively small, you may only have to take a step or two to get from one to another. It might sound obvious not to put hot appliances, such as the range or dishwasher, immediately next to the refrigerator, but I see it all the time. Even though a refrigerator has heavy wall insulation, it will use more electricity to stay cold while a turkey is roasting for hours inside the range next to it. A dishwasher gives off a lot of warm, humid air, which reduces

the efficiency of the refrigerator condenser coils. Do not place the range under a window that you plan to use for natural ventilation. Even a small breeze can carry away quite a bit of heat, which should be going into the pot and not out the window. Locating the sink under a window is good for natural lighting and to exhaust warm humid air during mild weather without running an exhaust fan.

Choosing efficient appliances Selecting appliances is the easiest part of designing an efficient kitchen, and the refrigerator and range/oven are good places to start because they are the two greatest energy consumers in most kitchens. In general, a top-freezer style refrigerator is the most efficient configuration, and the fewer features that penetrate the door, the more energy efficient it is. But a chilled water-to-ice dispenser in the door may actually save electricity overall by reducing how often the door is opened. Select the smallest refrigerator that satisfies your needs. A larger model has more surface area so it absorbs more heat from the room, and the compressor has to run longer to keep it cold inside. Each time you open the door of a larger refrigerator, more warm room air, which must be cooled, flows in than with a smaller one. Choose your dishwasher and range based on the energy label and the fea-

tures you need. A range with a convection oven will cook more efficiently than a standard oven — the upfront cost is higher, but you’ll see savings in energy and money. Ensure you purchase the most efficient appliances by comparing the information on the yellow energy label, and look for Energy Star models. The Energy Star designation is earned by appliances that meet efficiency guidelines set by the federal government. That designation comes in handy when identifying efficient vent hoods for ranges. All of the Energy Star models use compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, which are up to 75 percent more efficient than standard bulbs. In addition, select a range hood with about 50 cfm of air flow per lineal foot of the range top. It should be installed no more than 30 inches above the cooking surface. If the range hood is too high or too small, it will have to run much longer to vent the hot humid air — if it can at all. Basic tips There are some basic kitchen efficiency tips that can reduce energy use and improve your comfort. Whenever possible, use a toaster oven or slowcooker instead of the large oven. It might not cook quite as evenly, but heat buildup in the kitchen is much less. Also, match the size of the pot to the size of the burner or heating element to reduce heat loss. People typically buy a refrigerator larger than they need “just in case.” If you find yours is seldom full, put several jugs of water in the back. This holds the temperature steadier and reduces air loss when the door is opened. Set the refrigerator temperature at 40 degrees and the freezer around zero. Setting them too cold just wastes electricity.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Rural Electric Nebraskan, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Save money and energy by shutting down ver wonder if turning your computer off at the end of the day or unplugging unused computer peripherals could save you money? Just ask AOL. AOL decommissioned 9,484 servers in the last year, or about a quarter of its servers worldwide. Its savings included $1.65 million in energy bills, $2.2 million in OS licenses and $62,000 in maintenance costs. It also gained $1.2 million from scrap and resale, and reduced its carbon emissions by 20 million tons. A lot of the servers AOL replaced were running applications and Web properties that had "outlived their useful life," the company said. While you are not likely to have a few thousand computer servers sitting around your home, there are ways you can save energy with the home office equipment you have. Consider the following: Activate power-management settings. Home office electronics have multiple power modes: active (or “on”), active standby (“on” but consuming less than 100 percent power), and passive standby (or “off”), according to the nonprofit American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), which promotes energy efficiency to consumers and government policy makers. You can instruct your computer to move into lowerconsumption modes automatically when you’ve stopped using it temporarily — during a lunch hour or phone call, for instance — yet also wake up when you’re ready to resume working. Such tactics can reduce your computer-related electricity costs by $25 to $75 per machine annually. Use a power strip for your computer, printer, copier and other peripherals. If you plug office electronics into a power strip, you can switch all of them fully off (versus leaving them in “standby” mode) with one button. Power strips cost around $3 to $12. Assuming your home office equipment represents about 4 percent of your electricity bill, you could save up to $4 a year.

August 2012

Photograph provided by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives If you are investing in new computer equipment, look for Energy Starrated computers, small servers,

copiers, fax machines and adapters. Energy Star estimates that using these rated electronics in your home office can save $115 over the products’ lifetimes. Consider a laptop over a desktop. Laptops use one-third the power (22 watts) of a typical desktop (68 watts) when in active mode, according to ACEEE. Annually, a laptop could save you about $19 compared with a desktop. Opt for a flat-panel versus a CRT monitor. A cathode-ray tube monitor uses about 70 watts, while an LCD or flat-panel uses only 27 watts, according to ACEEE data. That’s about $1 in savings over a year. For other ideas on how you can become more EnergyWise, visit with your local rural electric utility or go to www.nppd.com/save-energy. Source: NPPD

DOWN HOME

RECIPES

Mom’s Cucumber Relish Grind: 10 to 12 large cucumbers 3 cups onion (ground) 2 cups celery (ground) 1/4 cup red and green peppers Put together with 6 cups water and 3/4 cup salt.

4 5 2 1 1

Let stand overnight. Drain well. Next morning boil: cups vinegar cups sugar teaspoons mustard seed tablespoon celery seed teaspoon turmeric powder

Put in vegetables. Cook for 12-15 minutes until clear. Seal in jars while hot. Makes approximately 5 pints.

Ardyce Wolfe, Fairfield, Nebraska

Lemon Zucchini Bread

Apricot Glazed Pork Kabobs 1 pound boneless pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 10-ounce jar apricot preserves 4 tablespoons orange liquor OR orange juice 2 tablespoons butter Stir together apricot preserves, orange liquor and butter; simmer in a small saucepan until butter is melted. (OR combine ingredients in a 2-cup glass measure; microwave on High 1 minute). Place pork cubes in heavy plastic bag; pour 3/4 cup apricot mixture over to coat. Marinate at least 30 minutes. Thread pork onto 4 to 6 skewers (if using bamboo skewers, soak in water for 20 to 30 minutes before using). Grill 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. Baste often with the marinade. Warm remaining apricot sauce to boiling and serve alongside kabobs, if desired.

Recipe provided by the National Pork Board

Correction The Cucumber Dip recipe in the June issue was submitted by Lana Gosch of Amherst, Neb.

4 1 1 1 1 1 4

cups flour 1/2 cups sugar pkg instant lemon pudding 1/2 teaspoon baking soda teaspoon baking powder teaspoon salt eggs

1 1/4 cups milk 1 cup vegetable oil 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon extract 2 cups shredded zucchini 1/4 cup poppy seeds 2 teaspoon grated lemon peel.

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, pudding mix, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, lemon juice and extract. Stir dry ingredients until moistened and fold in zucchini, poppy seeds and lemon peel. Pour in two greased 9 x 5 loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans. Makes two loaves.

Joy Deterding, Cambridge, Nebraska

Lemon Pudding Cheesecake 1 1/2 cups crushed nilla wafers (about 40 wafers) 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 4 pkgs (8 oz. each) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened

2 2 1 4 2

tablespoons flour tablespoons milk cup sour cream eggs pkgs (4 serving size each) Jello lemon flavor instant pudding & pie filling

Mix wafer crumbs, 1 tablespoon sugar and butter. Press firmly onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake 325 degrees for 10 minutes. Beat cream cheese, remaining 3/4 cup sugar, flour and milk until well blended. Add sour cream; beat until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Stir in dry pudding mixes until well blended. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 5 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until center is almost set by testing with knife. Cool completely. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Run knife around sides of pan to loosen cake. Serve with strawberries or cherry pie filling.

Patti Klitz, Chadron, Nebraska Rural Electric Nebraskan

AUG-1: SWF, 19, from north central Nebraska. I’m looking to meet my prince, an honest, good guy, between 19-21. Loves country music, movies, going out on real dates. Someone who likes family, going for rides, dancing, laughing and a simple smile. No games please. Write or send cell number and picture.

To appear in print The Rural Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service is exclusively for member-readers ages 18 and over. To be considered for use, submissions must: (1) Identify rural electric system providing magazine; (2) Include $6 to cover mail forwarding costs; (3) Be 25 words or fewer; (4) Include full name and mailing address (will not be used in magazine); and (5) Be first person, submitted directly by person to receive responses. Acceptance, editing and issue scheduling is at editor’s discretion. Address all submissions to Rural Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service, P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501. All responses received by the Adult Pen Pal Service are routed directly, postage paid, to the response number assigned to each submission.

AUG -2: Senior widow, NS, would like to meet WidWM, 78 – 85 from western Nebraska, who is lonesome, honest, healthy, and caring for friendship and companionship, who likes to go on short trips, eat out and just enjoy life. Send photo and phone number. Will answer.

AUG -5: DWM, NS/ND, from north central Nebraska, looking for a lady 40-60 who likes gardening , fishing, and fresh eggs. This means you aren’t afraid to work and get your hands dirty. Please send photo and phone number. AUG -6: SWM, 67, NS, from eastern Nebraska, semi-retired, enjoys playing cards and dining out. Looking for someone special to spend time with. Will answer all.

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AUG -3: Widow desires NS/ND Christian 75-85 in town with no pets. Will answer all letters that have picture, phone number and address. AUG -4: SWM, NS, 64, country boy, looking for a self supporting country gal, that likes to have fun. Trail rides, motorcycling or just jeeping at the river. Please send phone number and photo.

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To write To respond to one of the adult pen pal requests, write letter, place in envelope, seal and affix first class postage. Address to full, correct response #, c/o Rural Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service, P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501. Your letter will be forwarded unopened. Do not send money or additional postage; forwarding is prepaid. Enclose your full mailing address for return correspondence. Once again . . . it is very important that all responses carry the full response number—both month and number—to be properly forwarded.

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KRVN KNEB KTIC _________

Another way... to serve Nebraska agriculture!

The Nebraska Rural Radio Foundation wants your support as we continue our work sharing the story of agriculture by offering scholarships and grants!

Giving Opportunities include: Endowments Life Insurance Gifts Bequests

For more information call KRVN at 308-324-2391

www.nrrfoundation.com 22

Rural Electric Nebraskan

OVER THE YEARS, WE’VE SEEN THE USES FOR ELECTRICITY CHANGE. BUT ITS VALUE HASN’T. If you question the value of electricity, consider its role in your daily life. From the comforts and conveniences of home to the time-saving tools at work, electricity is vital to how we live. In 1952, Tri-State was formed as a consumer-owned power provider with the mission of delivering reliable, affordable electricity throughout the rural West. Today, we generate and transmit electricity to our 44-member co-ops who, in turn, serve more than 1.5 million people across a 200,000 square-mile territory. Collectively, we know we’re delivering more than electricity. We’re delivering quality of life.

www.tristate.coop

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association • P.O. Box 33695 • Denver, CO 80233 • Wholesale power supplier to 44 electric cooperatives in Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska and Wyoming.