Rural Electric Nebraskan - 03/16 by Nebraska Rural Electric Association

March 2016

NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS

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Contents Volume 70, Number 3, March 2016

“The Rural Voice of Nebraska”

Staff

Editor Wayne Price

Editorial Assistant Tina Schweitzer Published by the

Visit us at www.nrea.org General Manager Troy Bredenkamp

President David Keener, Niobrara Electric Association, Inc. Vice President/Secretary Butch Gray, Cornhusker 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 Quad Graphics, 2300 Brown Ave., Waseca, MN 56093. 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.

March 2016

Pollinator Gardens

Features

Freelance writer George Wiegel reports on a new trend of pollinator gardens. These gardens are designed to attract, feed and nurture pollinating wildlife – primarily bees, but also butterflies, birds and a host of small insects that transfer pollen from one plant to another.

Directions from the Sky

Mark Peyton, biologist for the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District, shares his love of stargazing in Nebraska. He even takes readers on a tour of some of his favorite stops in the starry night.

Departments GUEST EDITORIAL

SAFETY BRIEFS — Murphy

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS by Pat Keegan

RECIPES

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS

On the cover A federal task force is recommending people plant gardens to encourage more pollinator-friendly plantings. See related story on page 6. Photograph by Wayne Price.

Politics is indeed a “contact” sport GUEST EDITORIAL

n Nebraska, the beginning of any new year also brings the beginning of yet another session of the Nebraska Unicameral. The Nebraska Rural Electric Association is the trade organization for rural public power districts and electric cooperatives and one of our primary responsibilities is to represent our membersystems and their interests before Nebraska’s Legislature. One of my former bosses, the man who hired and mentored me during my time in Washington, D.C., gave me some great advice that I remember to this day. The first was “lobbying is a relational business,” that is to say, you must get to know folks and develop a genuine relationship and mutual respect before you can ever hope to persuade them to see your particular point of view on any given issue. The second piece of advice was that “politics is a contact sport.” While we all know that the contact in politics can be quite rough at times, what is meant here from a lobbying perspective is that you need to be in regular contact with those you hope to influence in order to have success at affecting change. I am reminded of these sound pieces of advice as we work our way past the half way mark of the second session of the 104th Nebraska Unicameral. This year several challenging bills were introduced, and we have been and will continue to practice our “relational” skills and make regular contact with legislators in order to realize maximum success. It is also at this time of year that I get reminded by friends and family alike that the problem they see with today’s politics is lobbyists and if we could only get the “special interests” out of politics, then everything would be better. In a perfect world I would whole-heartedly agree, but the fact is we don’t live in a perfect world. Here in the United States we live in a democratic republic and have a representative form of government that while not always pretty, it is one of the fairest and most effective forms of government ever created. In all reality, we all have issues that we care a great deal about and that by definition is a “special

I by Troy Bredenkamp

interest.” If there are numerous individuals who care about that same particular issue, then that by definition is a “special interest group.” When it comes to NREA and our rural electric member-systems, we are a special interest group that cares a great deal about the types of issues that would impact our collective ability to deliver safe, affordable and reliable electricity to rural Nebraska. In order to be as effective as possible for our members and the customers and members they represent, we must engage in contacting and building relationships with Nebraska’s elected leaders while educating them on issues that impact Nebraska’s power supply. Another key part of our game plan that we want to better utilize in this political process is you. There are times that we need help in getting our point across. Through our grassroots program, we urge our rural electric system’s customers and members to make those contacts and build relationships that helps our cause and yours on electrical issues. Perhaps it is writing an email or letter, liking a Facebook post or favoring a tweet on Twitter. Maybe it is attending a public hearing or even making an appointment to visit with your elected leaders when they are in your area. These are all examples where you can get in the game and make a positive impact on public policy. As you can see, there are many ways that we as an organization can engage in the contact sport known as politics. Through better coordination and enhancing our “game plan”, we will optimize our chance of success in maintaining safe, reliable and affordable electricity for all rural Nebraskans - during this political season and beyond.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Pollinator Gardens A trend that puts some buzz in your landscape

ike them or not, bees and their flying-bug brethren are key to the survival of threequarters of the world’s plants. Their pollination efforts also are behind one of every three bites of food a typical American eats, accounting for some $15 billion a year in U.S. crop services, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But pollinator populations have been dwindling in recent years, enough so that a federal task force was appointed in 2015 to devise a “National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honeybees and Other Pollinators.” Among the panel’s recommendations: stem the loss of pollinator habitats, take a new look at pesticides (especially bee-toxic ones), rethink weed-management strategies on public land, and encourage more pollinator-friendly plantings. It’s that last one that’s set off a new wave of home “pollinator gardens.” These are gardens designed to attract, feed and nurture pollinating wildlife – primarily bees, but also butterflies, birds and a host of small insects that transfer pollen from one plant to another. Researchers say that home

March 2016

by George Wiegel gardeners can play an important role by picking up the slack from habitats being lost to asphalt and construction. Some are even calling the home landscape the new “refuge for pollinators.”

Above: A growing trend in gardening is the “pollinator garden,” which is planned to be attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Opposite: A bee collects pollen from this blooming marigold.

A linchpin of gardening for pollinators is planting more native plants – ones that native pollinators are most familiar with and best adapted to use. Some pollinators are so selective that they use only one type of plant, and if that’s not available, they don’t reproduce. The best known example is how monarch butterflies need milkweed. Their population has been declining in part because herbicides are regularly used to clear farm land and roadsides of that and other “weeds.” Other pollinators are “generalists” and will eat a wider variety of plants, including many non-natives. Researchers are working to come up with lists to help home gardeners identify some of the best plants for home pollinator gardens. That’s been harder than it sounds because the choices vary so much from pollinator to pollinator, but also because a pollinator’s need can change depending on life stage. For now, the prevailing recommendation is to plant a wide diversity of plants, leaning toward native plants and especially toward landscapes that have one or more plants blooming at all times throughout the growing season. The Xerxes Society, a butterfly More on Page 8

Pollinator Gardens From page 7 conservation group, recommends at least 15 to 20 different species of plants per yard. Some of the native trees and shrubs that make most pollinatorgarden lists are oak, black cherry, birch, crabapple, blueberry, red maple, pine, hickory, hawthorn, linden, beech, arrowwood viburnum, chokecherry, spicebush, serviceberry, New Jersey tea, buttonbush, summersweet and Virginia sweetspire. Top U.S.-native perennial flowers include aster, goldenrod, sunflower, Joe Pye weed, violet, hardy geranium, black-eyed Susan, milkweed, penstemon, phlox, threadleaf coreopsis, bee balm, cardinal flower, mountain mint, purple coneflower, columbine, liatris, anise hyssop, sundrops, sneezeweed, Culver’s root, Indian pinks and Dutchman’s breeches. Some pollinator-favorite, nonnative plants include catmint, lavender, sedum, salvia, Russian sage, mints, lantana, daisy, alyssum, zinnia and butterfly bush (ideally ones with non-viable seeds to reduce unwanted spread). Many pollinators are also happy with the same crops we like to eat (vegetables), as well as many of the ones we try to eliminate (weeds). Vegetables and weeds that are high on the pollinator-attractiveness list include clover, dandelion, plantain, horsenettle, knotweed, dock, ragweed, corn, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, beans, lettuce and beets. Just about everybody agrees that using fewer – or no – pesticides is another important way to aid

Above: Clustered mountain mint is one of the most attractive native perennial flowers for pollinators. Inset: Milkweed is a native flower that’s essential to the survival of monarch butterflies. pollinators. Many insecticides are broadspectrum ones that kill bees or beneficial insects along with targeted pest insects. But even some of the newer pesticides that are poured into the soil instead of sprayed onto leaves can be taken up into the plant’s pollen, where it can harm pollinators. Oils and soaps that work by directly hitting a pest bug are generally the least harmful to pollinators. Those sprays are best applied in the evening when pollinators are less active. Four other pollinator-friendly steps that home gardeners can take: 1.) Eliminate invasive plants. Most of these are aggressive, nonnative species that aren’t very attractive to pollinators to start with, but their biggest threat is elbowing out natives that are of high pollinator value. Some of the worst invasives throughout much of the U.S. are tree of heaven, Oriental bittersweet, Japanese honeysuckle, kudzu, milea-minute weed and multiflora rose.

2.) Plant in clusters. Diversity is important, but it’s also helpful to plant in “floral clumps” of at least five plants per clump instead of one of this and one of that. Clusters are easier for pollinators to find and offer a bigger supply of pollen. 3.) Don’t be too much of a “neatnik.” Tolerate cosmetic and temporary plant damage because some of that damage is from caterpillars – the larval stage of butterflies and moths. Let leaves break down in landscape beds to serve as shelter for beneficial insect eggs, as well as insulation for plants and a way to enrich soil. Don’t deadhead all of the spent flowers immediately because birds use seed as food, especially in winter. And wait until spring to remove frost-killed grasses and perennials. That vegetation also shelters overwintering beneficial insects and serves as nest-building material for birds. 4.) Give pollinators a water source. Birdbaths and water features are two good ways. Shallow puddles are also excellent if you refresh the water every few days to avoid mosquitoes.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

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Top five energy users in your home hile most homeowners would like to be more energy efficient and save money, often it feels overwhelming because many people don’t know where to start. How can the average family use less energy, lower their utility bill and still meet their daily energy needs? To help jumpstart your effort, it is useful to know what the top energy users are in your home. With this knowledge, you can choose a path that works best for your family. According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, the top five energy users in U.S. homes are: 1. Space cooling 2. Space heating 3. Water heating 4. Lighting 5. Refrigeration However, in Nebraska the top energy user is space heating. Cooling is relatively low on the list at 4.3 percent.

Adjust the temperature Overall, home heating uses the most energy and take the biggest bite out of your energy budget. On the bright side,

How Nebraskan’s Use Energy

U.S. Energy Information Administration Residential Energy Consumption Survey

there are ways you can achieve at least 10 percent savings by taking a few simple low-cost or no-cost steps. • During cold weather, set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. • During warm weather, the recommended indoor temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. • Cleaning the filters of your HVAC system can cut costs from five to 15 percent. • Clean the coils around your electric baseboard heater to maintain maximum efficiency. • Caulk and weather-strip around windows and doors to prevent heat from escaping to the outdoors. No matter what the climate or time of year, proper use of a programmable thermostat can save you 10 percent on your monthly utility bill.

Shine the light on savings Take a fresh look at the lighting in your home. If you still use incandescent lighting, your light bulbs are operating at only 25 percent energy efficiency. Replacing your home’s five most frequently used bulbs with Energy Star-certified LEDs can save you $75 per year. Another easy way to save is to always turn lights off in rooms that are not being used.

Water heating efficiency Just as it is energy-wise to insulate your roof, wall or floor, it also pays to wrap your hot water heater with an insulating blanket. This is all the more critical if you have an older unit. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For additional efficiency and savings, insulate exposed hot water lines and drain one to two gallons of water from the bottom of your tank annually to prevent sediment build-up.

Put cold cash back in your wallet If your refrigerator was purchased before 2001, chances are it uses 40 percent more energy than a new Energy Star model. If you are considering an appliance update, a new Energy Star refrigerator uses at least 15 percent less energy than non-qualified models and 20 percent less energy than required by current federal standards. Regardless of the age of your fridge, there are additional steps you can take to save energy and money. For example, don’t keep your refrigerator too cold. The Department of Energy recommends temperatures of 35 – 38 degrees Fahrenheit for the fresh food compartment and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for separate freezers (used for long-term storage). By understanding how your home uses energy, you can determine the best ways to modify energy use and keep more money in your wallet. For additional ways to save, contact your public power district’s energy experts.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

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In n addition to their ir beloved Cornhusker footbball team, Nebraaskans take great pride in seeveral other speccial characteristics of this statee. Chimney Rock, k, the Platte River and the patchwork p quilt of amber, green and gold croppland seen from the t sky to name a few. This farm ground d represents the most irriggated land in the United States, and givees Nebraska Publlic Power District and its wholesale utility u customers a unique customer base whhen compared p d to other utilities es nationwide.

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allow w six-day control on almost all our o wells. Combined with consservation farming practices, we are able to pump less water LQWR WKH ÂżHOG ,I ZH KDYH WR VKXW RII RXU SLYRWV XS WR SHUFHQW of the time for load control, conservation vation gives us a little more wigggle room. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a gamble at the expense xpense of yield, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essential to know weather patterns, as well as the soil and watering needs of crops. Cos st Savings Costt savings alone to allow Dawsonn PPD to control our load six days d a week, if necessary, are worth w it. Rates decrease the moree customers are wiling to allow the utility to control their VHUYLFH ,Q RXU FDVH ZLWK ZHOOV WKH VDYLQJV DGG XS IDVW Tec chnology Advancements ents In the past, we relied on manual switches/restart witches/restart capabilities when turning on pivots after Dawson on controlled load. Now there are apps a on my phone and computer er systems that tell me when WKH ÂżHOG LV RQ RU RII FRQWURO 7KHVH V\VWHPV FDQ HYHQ WH[W RU emaail when pivots are experiencingg problems. Instead of driving 18-pplus miles in the middle of the night ight to check my wells, I can rest assured knowing their status. We simply canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t affford ford any downtime when on six-day control.

electricity y from all customers is high)) the he load control rate. cheaper th This prrogram works because of con nstant communiication ti bbetween t all ll iinvolved l d parties. NPPD’ N s wholesale utility custtomers DUH WKH ³VXEMHFW PDWWHU H[SHUWV´ IRU WKHLU electric lo oad and are very good at relaaying informatioon concerning loads and connditions they are seeing. s They work with NPPD to establissh how much load changed due d to rainfalll, when irrigation will start, hhow much load d they are planning to managge, etc. In turn, NPPD N keeps them informed about a electrical demand on the system.

Farm Irrigation Wells by State in the West North Central Reg gion for EIA Data Nebr b askka

77,155

Kansas

23,114

Missouri

13,621

Minnesota

5,385

South Dakota

2,1 161

Iowa

1,8 877

D k t N th Dakota Nor

1,4 483 0

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7KLV FROODERUDWLYH DSSURDFK EHQH¿WV DOO customerss and helps get the greatest bang b for the bu uck from the electric system. NPPD sends signnals to customer groups iden ntifying FHUWDLQ WLPHIUDPHV H[SHFWHG IRU VXPPHU demand among a particular groups. Thiis allows thee wholesale utilities to determ mine what load d levels they need to be at. Thhe utilities thhen send signals to their ownn customerss, such as irrigators, regardinng the need to reeduce load who participate in n their load contrrol program. Control optionss range from “no control” to a few days of co ontrol up to a sevenn-day option. Rates decreasee as the amount off control increases. Sheddiing load at peak times helps utilities manage power p supply costs and postppones the need to t build new power plants, reesulting in more competitive electric rates oveerall.

201 15 Reported Effectiv ve Reduction at Peak k Busbar: 519 MW Total o

Source: 2012 Census of Agriculture. USDA, Na N tional Agricultural Statistics Service.

Irrigated Acres by State in the West North Central Reg gion for EIA Data Nebraska

8,297,560 acres

Kansas

2,851,317 acres

Missouri

1 235 334 acres 1,235,334

Minnesota

516,724 acres

South Dakota

3 369,864 acres

North Dakota

21 13,728 acres

Iowa

17 75,847 acres 0

Municipal Pum mping and Indu ustrial

Air Conditioning

0.2%

Water Heater

0.3%

10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 Irrigation Wells

2,000,000

4,000,000 6,000,000 000,000 Total Acres Irrigated

8,000,000

10,000,000

Source: 2012 Census of Agriculture, USDA, N National Agricultural Statistics Service.

0.2%

Irrigation

99.3%

Protect your home from electrical hazards pring is traditionally the time of year we turn our attention to sprucing up things both inside and outside our homes. It’s also a good time to make sure your home not only looks nice, but is safe from dangerous electrical hazards. To keep yourself and your family safe from these dangers have a professional electrical safety inspection of your home and grounds every ten years. You should also undertake an annual electrical safety inspection yourself. Here are some things to keep in mind: • Water and electricity are a potentially deadly combination. Avoid using power tools outdoors in wet grass or other wet or damp areas. • Keep appliances like hair dryers and radios away from the sink, tub, or pool, and make sure all outlets near a water source are equipped with a

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). That includes outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, unfinished basements, and garages, and near swimming pools and hot tubs. Make sure your outdoor receptacles are GFCI protected and that they are housed in weatherproof covers. • Testing your GFCIs doesn't take long. If your GFCI is a standard GFCI, plug a lamp or radio into the GFCI and turn the lamp or radio On. Next press the TEST button and see if the lamp or radio goes Off. Press the RESET button and the lamp or radio should go back On. If the lamp or radio doesn't go Off when you push the TEST button, the GFCI isn't working properly and should be replaced. • Check all power and extension cords for cracks or fraying. Those that are showing wear, and those that have been taped over in the past, should be

replaced immediately. Never, under any circumstance, run extensions under carpets, rugs, or furniture, where you are unable to see their condition. When using an extension cord outdoors, be sure it is rated for outdoor use. • Make sure all outdoor tools and appliances are unplugged when they’re not in use. • All outlets that have loosefitting plugs or are cracked or have broken parts, and those that are hot to the touch, are potential fire hazards and should be immediately replaced. Switches that are cracked or are hot to the touch should similarly be replaced. • Be extremely careful when using a ladder near overhead power lines; even a wooden ladder contacting a power line can have potentially deadly results.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

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I once was extremely frustrated by not getting good sleep. Like you, I would toss and turn all night and wake up still feeling sore and tired. I knew there was a problem but couldn’t figure out what the root cause was. So over the years I tested every sleep product and pillow on the market hoping to find some relief. In the end though, all my problems persisted. Eventually I came to believe my problems would be resolved if I had a pillow that kept my neck supported and aligned throughout the night. I shared my idea with people and got really excited as I learned many were experiencing the same sleep-related issues as I was. At that point with a goal of helping millions of people, I set out to create the revolutionary pillow I had been dreaming of.

“Sleep is the most important factor of good health and MyPillow is the most important factor in a good night’s sleep.”

Creating the World’s Most Comfortable Pillow In my discussions with people I found that most said, “I would like a pillow that doesn’t go flat during the night,” “I want a pillow that stays cool,” and “I would like a pillow that I can adjust no matter my sleeping position.” With their direction in mind I invented the MyPillow, made of raw materials purchased in the United States. Over the next seven years, I manufactured pillows out of a small garage with my family and a few employees. I faced countless challenges such as being turned down by many retail outlets and being advised not to offer a 10-year warranty or a 60-day money-back guarantee. I was even told that a patent would be next to impossible to obtain. Despite all this I was determined to work even more tirelessly.

“Hearing so much positive feedback from the customers who benefited from MyPillow helped me keep my dream alive.”

MyPillow Becomes a Household Name Since our beginning, it has been our dedication to hard work and “doing it right” that has helped us become an American success story. Now, over a decade into business, our accomplishments include receiving QVC’s coveted “Q Star Award” for product concept of the year, being named the official pillow of the National Sleep Foundation, being featured in the New York Times and Fox Business News, and having the number one infomercial in the country. I am proud to say my company has grown from eight to over 600 employees, all manufacturing is handled in my home state of Minnesota, and all of our raw materials are still purchased right here in the United States.

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Directions From the Sky By Mark Peyton

Illustration by Tyler Rinne

Rural Electric Nebraskan

was in the back “seat” of the pickup. I had camping gear all around me. It was night time and we were winding our way through the Pine Ridge of Nebraska on a turkey hunt. I was completely turned around. Denny pulled over. “This should be a good spot,” he said. We got out and unloaded. After getting camp set up I stood up and commented that my sense of direction was completely “out of wack”. I looked up. The handle of the big dipper arched over toward Polaris…the North Star. “Oh, that’s North!” Dean looked at me. “What?” “Yep, The North Star is that way.” I answered. I then showed him the dipper and the North Star. “I’ll be damned” is all he said. It reminded me of the time irrigating and I asked a question as to how many times we were going to water this field of beans. I usually helped with irrigation but this was the first time we had soy beans. “Mark,” Dean answered, “you might as well ask me how far it is to the Moon!” “The moon is 238,900 miles away, “ I replied. He looked at me like I was the strangest thing he had ever seen and asked, “Why in hell would you know that?” The answer to Dean then is the

March 2016

same answer I have now. I like astronomy. I like star watching. I like trivia like that. For what it is worth, I even liked throwing tubes and irrigating soy beans, but that’s another story. My favorite time to star watch is March. Why? For the same reason that it is my favorite time to camp. It’s still cold in March. Cold but not a restrictive cold. Cold enough that a fire feels good. Cold enough that there are no irritating, pesky, biting insects out. Cold enough that you won’t come home with ticks in your hair and cold enough that the air is clean, clear, and transparent making the stars seem like you can just reach up and grab them. One other reason I used to like March is that the sun sets early in the evening and you don’t have to wait long to start the watch. Now, with daylight savings time starting the second Sunday of the month it is pushing me back toward February. It’s pretty cold in February, however. The March sky offers a great view. We can start with the constellation of Orion. Orion is probably the best known and brightest constellation in the night sky. With four “magnitude one” stars and two that are just barely “magnitude two”; Orion stands out. Magnitude is a way to describe the

brightness of a star. The smaller the “magnitude” the brighter the star (I know, it seems backwards…but that’s just the way it is!) A magnitude one star is 2.5 times brighter than a magnitude two star. A magnitude two star is 2.5 times brighter than a magnitude three star…and so on and so forth. With just our eyes, in a good dark spot like rural Nebraska, we can see to magnitude six. A magnitude one star is 98 times brighter than a magnitude six star. In that mix, from Nebraska, at one time there are approximately 6,800 visible stars! Of those 6,800 only 16 are magnitude one stars. Of those 16, 25 percent of them are in the constellation Orion! In close proximity to Orion are seven more magnitude one stars. Thus, in March, 11 of the 16 brightest stars visible in North America are all in view at the same time! Orion can be seen from August through May but in order to see it in August you have to be crazy. You have to get up about 3:00 a.m. If you have enough coffee it’s a great time to star watch, but really…3:00 a.m.! In March Orion is directly overhead about 30 minutes after sundown when the brightest stars become visible. That means you can More on Page 18

Every star, every constellation, every planet or comet has an interesting side story.

Directions from the sky From page 17 start star watching at 7:30 p.m. until the time change and then it’s 8:30 p.m. That’s better than 4:00 a.m.! The brightest stars in Orion are Rigel, a blue giant of a star and Betelgeuse (pronounced Bee-tle-juz) a massive red giant. Next are Bellatrix and finally Alnilam. Alnilam is one of the three stars along with Alnitak and Mintaka that make up the “belt” of Orion. These three stars plus the “scabbard” made up of two stars and a nebula (fuzzy area) are what most people recognize. If I’m giving a tour of the sky my next stop is the constellation Taurus with the magnitude one star Aldebaran. This red giant appears red in the sky and can be found as the “eye” of the “bull”. The shoulder of the bull is the Pleaides, a star cluster also known as the “seven sisters”. Next we go the other direction and there are the Gemini twins, Pollux and Castor. Supposedly twins with different fathers! Below and behind Orion are his hunting dogs, Sirius in Canis Major (the big dog) and Procyon in Canis Minor. Sirius is the brightest star visible from all of earth with Procyon the 6th brightest visible in the Northern Hemisphere. Heading north we see the constellation Auriga (the charioteer) with Capella, the 4th brightest star in the north, and of course the dippers. The Big Dipper (Ursa Major) and the Little Dipper (Ursa Minor) which holds Polaris, the North Star. Polaris is not that bright! It is a magnitude 2 Star. The middle “star” in the handle of the big dipper is actually a multiple star and being able to distinguish that there were “two” stars was once the vision test for the Greek Navy. That’s one of the reasons I love astronomy… every star, every constellation, every planet or comet has an interesting side story.

In the photo you can see the three stars of the belt with the top star being Alnitak, the middle star is Alnilam and the bottom, somewhat dimmer Mintaka. The scabbard is to the middle left. Photograph by Mark Peyton As you swing farther around Orion the great hunter you see Leo the lion, Perseus, Cassiopeia, and no tour of the night sky is complete without locating the galaxy Andromeda, the farthest thing from Earth visible with our naked eyes. It’s best seen earlier in the winter, but you can still spot it in March. While March may be the best time to star watch if you want bright stars at a reasonable hour, many people don’t like the cold. So, a fire is nice. Our eyes are marvelous things. In dim light we slowly produce a chemical on the back of our eyes that make our light receptors more and more sensitive. This chemical, however, is fragile and can easily be destroyed simply by light. Thus, out star watching, we slowly develop our “night vision” and someone turns on a light, or lights a fire…gone is our ability to see those magnitude 4 – 6 stars! So, though a fire in March is wonderful, it conflicts with star watching. In July and August you don’t need a fire; it’s warm out. Yes, there are bugs, but some tradeoff is required to be warm and insect sprays don’t interfere with night vision. The sky in August is dominated by the Summer Triangle: Cygnus, the swan, Lyra, the lyre, and Aquila, the eagle. To the south are Scorpio and Sagittarius, where the center of the Milky Way is located. You can’t see it…it’s a radio source. Summer also highlights the

constellation Booties with our second brightest star, Arcturus, and Virgo. Located in Virgo are clusters of up to 2,000 separate galaxies, 15 of which are visible in a normal, amateur telescope. As the night progresses those stars visible in March slowly rise and if you stay up to that magic 3:00 a.m. time, Orion is out in all his glory. However, it isn’t always stars that grab your attention. One of the major visually impressive things to see is the Milky Way galaxy. With stars, star clusters, nebulae and clouds you can spend literally hours just wandering through the “backbone of the sky”. The Nebraska Star Party takes advantage of the warmth of late July and August along with the dark skies of the northern sandhills (Merritt Reservoir). Each year the Prairie Astronomy Club and the Omaha Astronomical Society hold this gathering. This year, 2016 will be the 22nd party and it will be held from July 31 – August 5th. Families, newcomers to astronomy, old experts, and people that just want an excuse to sit up all night and talk come together to celebrate the celestial sights. Though I’m maybe a little different because I would prefer March, I’m guessing that if I went around and asked, most of the people who attend the “party” will know how far it is to the moon and can look to the skies and tell me which direction is north.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

York’s Ken Kunze elected NPPD Board chairman for 2016 he Nebraska Public Power District Board of Directors elected Ken Kunze of York as its chairman for 2016. Also elected were Larry Linstrom of North Platte as first vice chairman, Tom Hoff of Broken Bow as second vice chairman, and Jerry Chlopek of Columbus as secretary. Kunze began his first term of office on the NPPD Board of Directors in 2009 and was re-elected to a second term that began in 2015. Previously, Kunze served as first vice chairman in 2014 and 2015, and was the nuclear committee chairman during 2013 and 2014. “Public power is an essential ingredient to the economic strength of Nebraska,” said Kunze. “I am committed to working with our customers and other stakeholders to keep public power strong in Nebraska. At different times, we

Ken Kunze

Larry Linstrom

will individually, and sometimes collectively, have to ‘step up to the plate’ to make it work for our mutual benefit.” A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Kearney, Kunze has owned a real estate company in York for more than 36 years. He served as York’s mayor from 1988 to 1996 and as president of the Nebraska League of Municipalities in 1995. Kunze was a board member of the Nebraska Power Review Board from 2000 to 2008. He represents

Tom Hoff

Jerry Chlopek

Subdivision 7, which consists of York, Polk, Nance, Merrick, Hamilton, Adams and Clay counties. The Board of Directors also elected NPPD Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Traci Bender as treasurer, re-appointed Donna Starzec assistant treasurer and Christine Pillen deputy assistant treasurer. Jan Modelski was reappointed as assistant secretary and Sandra Keefover as deputy assistant secretary. All are from Columbus.

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Electric bill payment scam crossing the state again he scam is back and working its way across the state of Nebraska in a number of communities. This phone scammer contacts business owners and residents and falsely threatens their electricity will be shut off if they do not pay their electric bill immediately with a pre-paid “Greendot” card.

the activity has increased, with the calls demanding payment coming at busy times of a company’s operation.

The ruse Individuals, posing as representatives of the local power company tell the customer they are overdue on their electric bill and must pay up within 20 minutes or be disconnected. They are then instructed to purchase pre-paid cards in order to make immediate payment. A number of businesses in Kearney, Ogallala and Norfolk, and some communities served by Nebraska Public Power District and other rural public power districts, have been contacted by phone through this deceptive practice since January and

NPPD’s practice “NPPD does not do business this way,” said NPPD’s Customer Care Business Manager Robyn Tweedy. “If a customer is overdue on their electric bill and subject to disconnection, it will be printed on their monthly bill with instructions on what they can do to settle the account. They should call the number printed on the bill, NOT the phone number of the individual making the phone request.”

Avoid energy scams with these tips

• Always guard your personal accounting and banking information, and never share this information with family, friends or strangers. • Remember – your local electric utility will NEVER call and ask for sensitive personal information over the phone. • Only use methods authorized by your local electric utility to pay your bills. • Electric utility employees visit a home only in response to a service request. If a service call has not been scheduled or requested, do not allow the person to enter your house. • When an employee does respond to a service call, check identification and make sure the service truck is clearly marked with the proper logo. By following these steps, you can avoid falling for many common energy scams, and if you are looking to save money on your energy bill, or understand your bill better, contact your local electric utility. They can help you find real ways to save.

Customers who receive such a call should not attempt to make any payment. Instead contact local law and NPPD’s enforcement Centralized Customer Care Center at 1-877-ASK-NPPD (877-275-6773) to report the request and provide the call-back number. If an individual or business not served by NPPD receives a call demanding payment on their electric bill, they are encouraged to contact their local electric provider to check on their account before making any attempt to pay. The malicious practice has affected many utilities, in addition to NPPD. It has also happened in other states, and has occurred as recently as last fall in Nebraska. Based upon past history, other communities across the state are likely to be targeted. “Once the public recognizes the ploy, the scammers will take advantage of another community in the state. This deceitful scheme may not be isolated to just larger communities,” said Tweedy. “We expect similar calls may begin occurring in some other Nebraska towns, including towns served by NPPD.” Door to door Even in the digital age, there are still scams being perpetuated face to face. Typically these scams target the elderly or people who may not speak English well, who may be easier to intimidate. Claiming to be from the utility (or associated in some way), they will tell you that something is wrong (bill past due, equipment missing or broken) and that you need to pay them money immediately or be disconnected. Public power districts and electric cooperatives do not demand payment like this in the field and do not go to a member’s house unless there is a scheduled appointment. Again, if you want to check if the person at your door is a utility employee, call your local electric utility.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Masterfull sized over 1y 1 feet tall! /2 Dramatic sculpture captures Duke throwing a lasso at the moment his horse rears up Masterfully hand-cast and hand-painted in bronze tones to capture each intricate detail Clock face showcases Bruce Emmet’s vivid portrait of John Wayne, commissioned exclusively for The Bradford Exchange! Clock features an accurate quartz movement and shining golden rim

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Each time he saddled up, Duke lassoed the hearts of millions with his towering presence, chiseled jaw, and ready pistol. Starring in 83 Western film classics, John Wayne was an American hero. Now, the Timeless Legend John Wayne Masterpiece Clock lets you treasure this rugged horseman atop his powerful steed any time. Meticulous hand-crafting captures each sculptural detail, from the lasso Duke throws to the pistol in his holster to the horse he rides. Standing tall, like the man himself, the sculpture is an impressive 19 inches high! At the sculpture’s base is a working clock with accurate quartz movement and—commissioned exclusively for The Bradford Exchange—Bruce Emmet’s vivid portrait of the icon.

Your satisfaction is guaranteed, but the time to act is now! Strong demand is expected for this masterfully crafted, limitededition sculptural clock, so don’t miss out. Order today to acquire your Timeless Legend John Wayne Masterpiece Clock at issue price, payable in four convenient installments of $39.99 for a total of $159.95*. Your purchase is risk-free, backed by our 365-day moneyback guarantee. Send no money now. Simply return the Reservation Application today! TM

JOHN WAYNE, , DUKE and THE DUKE are the exclusive trademarks of, and the John Wayne name, image, likeness and voice, and all other related indicia are the intellectual property of, John Wayne Enterprises, LLC. ©2015. All rights reserved. www.johnwayne.com ©2015 BGE 01-21900-001-BI

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How to choose efficient appliances that will save money t’s never a good day when you realize you need to replace a large appliance in your home. However, when the unfortunate time comes, be sure to take a moment and consider what you will purchase – especially for appliances that haven’t been replaced in a number of years, as the technology may have changed substantially. Instead of rushing out to buy the same make and model of appliance you had, consider this an opportunity to assess the market and make a smart purchase that will save you money in the long run. According to the Department of Energy, appliances account for about 13 percent of the average household’s energy use. Clothes dryers, refrigerators/freezers, computers, microwaves, dishwashers and washing machines are the appliances that tend to use the most energy in a typical American home. Every appliance you buy has an operating cost, which is the cost of the energy needed to power the appliance. To facilitate more informed comparison

shopping, the federal government requires some appliances to have an Energy Guide label stating the approximate energy consumption and operating cost of the appliance. Appliances with an Energy Star

Appliances account for about 13 percent of the average Nebraska household’s energy use label use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances and are generally more expensive than their standard counterparts. So, it’s important to compare the lifetime costs of each (up-front cost + operating cost) to ensure that purchasing the efficient appliance is the best choice. In addition to looking at the efficiency of your new appliance, make sure to consider its size.

Purchasing an appliance that is too large for your needs will lead to more energy being used. For example, laptops or small desktops (e.g., the Mac Mini) use only one-quarter of the energy of typical desktop PCs and have sufficient memory and processing speeds for many common applications. This same principle applies to refrigerators, air conditioners and more. As you begin your search for a new appliance, check with your public power district or electric cooperative to see if they offer incentives for energy efficient appliances, and remember to use the Energy Star website as an additional resource. Dramatic advancements in the efficiency of many electric appliances now can provide the same level of end-user comfort with substantially less electric input. With a little research and forethought up-front, you can save money over the life of your appliance without sacrificing any benefits. Good luck, and happy shopping.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.” — J. Fitzgerald, VA

Easy-to-use remotes for massage/heat and recline/lift

Complete with battery backup in case of power outage

Our Perfect Sleep Chair® is just the chair to do it all. It’s a chair, true – the finest of lift chairs – but this chair is so much more! It’s designed to provide total comfort and relaxation not found in other chairs. It can’t be beat for comfortable, long-term sitting, TV viewing, relaxed reclining and – yes! – peaceful sleep. Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of positions, including the Trendelenburg position and the zero gravity position where your body experiences a minimum of internal and external stresses. You’ll love the other benefits, too: It helps with correct spinal alignment, promotes back pressure relief, and This lift chair encourages better posture to puts you safely prevent back and muscle pain. on your feet!

And there’s more! The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. The high and low heat settings along with the dozens of massage settings, can provide a soothing relaxation you might get at a spa – just imagine getting all that in a lift chair! Shipping charge includes white glove delivery. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! Includes one year service warranty and your choice of fabrics and colors. If you’re not 100% satisfied simply return the chair within 30 days for a refund of the product purchase price. – Call now! ®

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We’ve all had nights when we just can’t lie down in bed and sleep, whether it’s from heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – it could be a variety of reasons. Those are the nights we’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in, one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises feet and legs to precisely the desired level, supports the head and shoulders properly, operates easily even in the dead of night, and sends a hopeful sleeper right off to dreamland.

Sit up, lie down — and anywhere in between!

Stay safe around overhead powerlines when working outside SAFETY BRIEFS

owerlines carry electricity, a product that powers, heats, cools, and lights at home and at work. Energy that can burn, injure, or kill unless you respect it and practice safety when you are around it. Similar to lightning, the flow of electrical energy is constantly working to find a path to the ground. Should you cause an object or part of your body to come in contact with a powerline, you are immediately providing the path that energy is seeking. One of the common dangers exists when kites are being flown. When accidental contacts are made, metal guide wires, wet string or strings with metal strands provide the path to the ground through your body. Tree climbing can be fun, but there may be a hidden danger -- powerlines between the limbs that if touched could turn enjoyment into tragedy. Even if the power lines are not touching the tree, they could come in contact when more weight is added to the branch. Irrigation pipe can be an excellent conductor, and when raised in an

upright position, can contact the powerline causing you to become a fatal accident statistic. Farm grain augers and many other types of farm equipment are of such height and length that they become an excellent path to the ground should you fail to recognize the potential danger of a powerline overhead. Metal or wet ladders that you might use around your home or other buildings are conductors of electricity. Use extreme caution when using

these types of ladders around electrical wires, service drops and equipment. Always be aware of the location of power lines, particularly when using long tools like ladders, pool skimmers, and pruning poles. Be sure to lower your long equipment when you are moving it. Carry ladders and other long items horizontally whenever possible. Be careful when working on or around your roofâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;installing rooftop antennas and satellite dishes, installing or cleaning gutters, or doing repair work. Never go up on the roof in windy or bad weather. Be especially careful when working near power lines attached to your house. Keep equipment and yourself at least 10 feet from lines. Never trim trees near power linesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; leave that to the professionals. Never use water or blower extensions to clean gutters near electric lines. Contact a professional maintenance contractor. For more information on electrical safety and to see videos about power line safety, visit www.SafeElectricity.org.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Nine tips for avoiding common mistakes made with electricity lectricity is an integral, yet easily overlooked, part of our everyday lives. The Safe Electricity program encourages everyone to brush up on guidelines for using electricity safely and offers these nine tips on how to safely avoid common mistakes made with electricity: 1. Just because a power line is down does not mean it is dead. Whether caused by a storm or a car accident, a fallen power line is very dangerous. Stay far away, instruct others to stay away, and call your electric utility immediately. 2. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. After a power outage, many use generators as a quick solution to get the lights back on, but plugging a generator into an outlet creates dangerous backfeed. Backfeed sends electricity back through the power lines and can injure or kill the lineman trying to get the power back on. 3. Don’t step into a flooded basement if there is a chance that flood waters may be in contact with outlets or electrical cords. The waters of a flooded basement may be energized with electricity. 4. Water and electrical equipment don’t mix. Replace any appliance damaged by water because it is unsafe to use, and never use electrical equipment in wet conditions – if it is raining or the ground is wet. 5. All outlets near areas with water should have GFCI protection. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) monitor the flow of electricity in a circuit. If there is an irregularity of electrical flow, the power is cut off, preventing an electric shock. 6. Extension cords should never be used permanently. Extension cords are created for temporary use only. When using them for a permanent solution, they can overheat and cause fires. 7. Never remove a plug’s grounding pin. The third prong on a plug is a safety feature. If the plug doesn’t fit, the outlet needs replaced.

March 2016

8. Take care of electrical cords. Never tack or nail an electrical cord to any surface or run cords across traffic paths or under rugs where they can be trampled, and check cords occasionally for damage. Replace when necessary.

9. Avoid overloading outlets. Plugging in too many appliances to an outlet can strain your electrical system. Be a part of a safer, smarter world. Get more electrical safety tips at SafeElectricity.org.

The average Nebraska homeowner pays aboutt $3.56 to keep the lights on, the appliances running, and the room temperature perfect for Ϯϰ ŚŽƵƌƐ͘ ĚƌŝǀĞͲƚŚƌƵ ŵĞĂů ĐŽƐƚƐ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ƚŚĂƚ͘ īŽƌĚĂďůĞ ĞŶĞƌŐǇ ĐŽƐƚƐ ďĞŶĞĮƚƐ ĞǀĞƌǇďŽĚǇ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĂƚ ͛Ɛ ǁŚĂƚ ƉƵďůŝĐ ƉŽǁĞƌ ŝƐ Ăůů ĂďŽƵƚ͘

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Ensuring high quality energy efficiency work by Pat Keegan I want to make my home more Q :energy efficient, but some of the work needed is more than I can do by myself. When I’m hiring contractors to do these projects, how can I be sure that the work is of good quality? The good news is there are A :many contractors performing high-quality energy efficiency work. You’re smart to first figure out what you can do to ensure your contractors deliver the kind of quality you’re paying for. The best quality assurance solution for most homeowners is to start with a home energy audit by a qualified and experienced energy auditor. Ask the auditor to specify the products and the quality standards for each recommended efficiency measure. The auditor can also help you by agreeing to inspect the finished work. Using an auditor throughout your home energy upgrade will cost several hundred dollars, but it can pay off in a number of ways: you will know what work is truly needed, and you can prevent poor quality or incomplete work. Your rural electric utility may offer a free or discounted audit by one of its energy advisors, or it may have a list of trusted energy auditors in the area. In some areas, there are home performance contractors experienced in whole home energy efficiency upgrades who can perform the energy audit themselves and then complete the work. Once you have a clear idea and a description of the work that needs to be done, you’ll need to identify contractors. Some utilities offer financial incentives and know of contractors who have experience or

training with energy efficiency. The energy auditor can help you with questions to ask potential contractors. • Is the contractor licensed and insured in your state? Do they have any additional training? For example, the Building Performance Institute (BPI) certifies contractors who have training in whole home energy efficiency improvements.

Fiberglass batts perform better if measured and cut properly. Photograph by Jack Amick.

• For heating and cooling projects, how will the contractor decide what size equipment is needed in your home? Will they inspect duct work and insulation throughout the home? • For insulation and weatherization upgrades, what is your insulation level now? What should it be? Will the contractor find and seal any air leaks before installing the insulation? • For all projects, who will actually

be at your home doing the work—the person you are talking to? An installer employed by the same company? Or a sub-contractor? Make sure to do plenty of research before fully engaging a contractor: • Don’t take the first offer: Try to get at least two bids. The lowest quote might not necessarily be the best: Sometimes it’s hard to compare bids unless they are itemized correctly. If one quote is significantly lower than others, inquire closely about the reasons for the difference. • Check their work: Ask for and check references, read online reviews and ask your local experts about any experience they have with the contractor. Once you have chosen a contractor, make sure you and the contractor agree on the written description of the work to be performed, the expected timeframe for completion and the price. If the contractor insists on providing an estimate rather than a firm bid, you should discuss what might cause the final bill to be higher than quoted. Some common areas of tension between contractors and their customers are also worth discussing: • How often and when will the contractor communicate with you about the status of the project? • How clean does the work area need to be at the end of each day? • What is the daily work schedule? It’s best not to pay the contractor until work is completed and inspected. You and the energy auditor should both inspect the work. Your public power district’s energy advisor may also be able to inspect or give you advice for what to look for. For example, is the window flashing installed correctly? Are the ducts sealed properly? Finally, if you have a good experience with a contractor, pass the information along to friends and neighbors, or write a helpful review—a good home contractor can be hard to find!

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Perfect Choice HD™ is simple to use, hard to see and easy to afford…

Invention of the Year PERSONAL SOUND AMPLIFICATION PRODUCTS (PSAPs)

THEY’RE NOT HEARING AIDS

Virtually impossible to see.

WEIGHT SOUND QUALITY

Personal Sound Amplification Products use advanced digital processing to amplify the frequencies of human speech. Thanks to the efforts of a doctor who leads a renowned hearing institute, this product is manufactured in an efficient production process that enables us to make it available at an affordable price. The unit is small and lightweight enough to hide behind your ear... only you’ll know Less than 1 ounce Excellent: Optimized for speech

FITTING REQUIRED?

ONE-ON-ONE SETUP

Free

RETURN POLICY COLOR

Full refund of product purchase price within 60 days Silver or Beige

you have it on. It’s comfortable and won’t make you feel like you have something stuck in your ear. It provides high quality audio so soft sounds and distant conversations will be easier to understand. Try it for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Some people need hearing aids but many just want the extra boost in volume that a PSAP gives them. We want you to be happy with Perfect Choice HD, so we are offering to let you try it for yourself. If you are not totally satisfied with this product, simply return it within 60 days for a refund of the full product purchase price. Don’t wait… don’t miss out on another conversation… call now!

Call toll free now for our lowest price.

1-866-425-0261 Please mention promotional code 102858. 1998 Ruffin Mill Road, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 Perfect Choice HD is not a hearing aid. If you believe you need a hearing aid, please consult a physician.

81038

NEW Now with more power and clarity!

Perfect Choice HD is NOT a hearing aid. It is a Personal Sound Amplification Product (PSAP). Hearing aids can only be sold by an audiologist or a licensed hearing instrument specialist following hearing tests and fitting appointments. Once the audiologist had you tested and fitted, you would have to pay as much as $5000 for the product.

Down Home Recipes

Put Breakfast on the Table All Day Long hile everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal, eating the same dishes over and over again can turn the meal that fuels the rest of your day into a lackluster one at best. From pancakes and waffles to eggs on toast, even these tried-andtrue classics can wear out their welcome on your kitchen table. Mixing up your meals – and adding in breakfast favorites such as bacon – is the perfect way to make any dish better, no matter what time of day you choose to put breakfast on the table. Full of flavor, Farmland Hickory Smoked Bacon is hand-trimmed, slow smoked and available in several varieties, so any meal from brunch to dinner can delight your taste buds. Switch things up with a quick and easy breakfast pizza, or put a new twist on a traditional breakfast sandwich by replacing the standard biscuit or muffin that holds it all together with a doughnut – both recipes are sure to be a hit for breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner. For more ideas to put breakfastinspired meals on the table all day long, bacon lovers can visit farmlandbaconclub.com to find original videos, contests, giveaways and extreme bacon recipes.

Bacon and Egg Breakfast Pizza 1 package (16 ounces) Farmland Hickory Smoked Bacon 1 can (10 ounces) refrigerated pizza crust dough 2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes with onions and peppers, partially thawed 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper 4 eggs 1/4 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

directions; drain. Press crust into lightly greased 14inch pizza pan, forming 1/2-inch rim. Bake 5 minutes. Arrange potatoes, bacon and green pepper over crust. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper; pour over pizza. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 1113 minutes or until golden brown and eggs are set.

Heat oven to 425 F. Cook bacon according to package

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Reader Submitted Recipes

2 1 1 4 1 2 1

Bacon Doughnut Breakfast Sandwich 4 slices Farmland Hickory Smoked Thick Cut Bacon 1 teaspoon olive oil 4 cups baby spinach (optional) 1 tablespoon butter 4 eggs 4 glazed doughnuts 4 slices real cheddar cheese Fry bacon for 10 minutes, until outside is crispy and brown. In large, deep skillet over mediumhigh heat, heat olive oil and saute spinach until wilted. Set aside. In another large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat until melted. Carefully crack eggs into skillet and fry until yolk is done. Assemble sandwiches as follows: doughnut bottom, spinach, egg, slice of cheese, bacon, doughnut top.

Runza Casserole

lbs. hamburger small onion chopped small can sliced mushrooms, drained cups shredded or chopped cabbage (10 ¾ oz.) can of cream of mushroom soup (8 oz.) refrigerated crescent rolls or crescent roll sheets lb. shredded mozzarella cheese Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown hamburger and onion in skillet, then drain. Put cabbage on top and cover to steam for 6 minutes or until it starts to wilt. Add soup and mushrooms, mix well and heat through. Place 1 tube of crescent rolls over bottom of 9” X 13” pan. No need to grease pan. Spread meat and cabbage mixture on dough. Sprinkle cheese on top of meat mixture and place 2nd tube of rolls over the top of the cheese. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cover with foil for the last 10 minutes to soften crust. Let stand 5 minutes or so before serving.

Judy Knutson, Atkinson, Nebraska

1 1/2

4 2 2 3/4 1

St. Patrick’s Day Brownies

cups plus 6 tbsp. butter divided eggs cups sugar tsp. vanilla cup cocoa cup flour

1/2 2 2/3 1 1 4 1

tsp. baking powder cups powdered sugar tbsp. plus 1 tsp. water tsp. mint extract drops green food coloring cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9” X 13” pan. Brownies: Melt 1 cup butter. Stir in sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, beat well. Add flour, cocoa, baking powder, mix well. Pour batter in pan and bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely. Mint Cream: Combine powder sugar, ½ cup melted butter, water, mint extract and food coloring. Beat until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies. Cover and refrigerate until cold. Chocolate Glaze: Combine remaining 6 tbsp. of butter and chocolate chips. Microwave for 1 minute on high or until smooth when stirred. Cool slightly and spread over brownies. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Shirley Land, Callaway, Nebraska

March 2016

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS

ne1call.com

See what a difference it makes...

Advertise in Rural Electric Nebraskan Classifieds

KILL LAKE WEEDS

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PO Box 10748, DEPT 38C White Bear Lake, MN 55110-0748

Rural Electric Nebraskan

TRISTATE.COOP

YOU’RE GROWING THE FUTURE. WE’RE POWERING IT. We’re proud to stand with Nebraska farmers and ranchers as they carry on a rich agricultural tradition. We work hard to provide a reliable, affordable source of power to help you get the job done now and for years to come.

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HALF PRICE! Introducing the Fastest Growing Quality Shade Tree to America!

HYBRID POPLARS Hardy, fast growing poplar! When you need shade in a hurry, we suggest the fastgrowing Hybrid Poplar. It has a handsome shape and will actually shade a ranch-type home in just 3-5 years! We haven’t found any tree that grows like it. It has a spread of 30-35′ and in just a few years, at maturity, it reaches 50-60′. It normally lives 30-50 years. It is wind, disease and insect-resistant — it can take the cold as far north as Canada. This is not the short-lived Lombardy Poplar. Best use is to provide beauty and quick, cool shade for new homes. Plant Hybrid Poplars for screening! The screen variety makes an ideal privacy hedge. It has a width of about 10′ and grows to a dense screen usually in 3 years. Plant for quick windbreaks on farms and for living snow fences. We ship strong, 2-4′ trees.

SAVE 50%on Large Quantity Orders!

N5246 Shade Variety Tree N5247 Screen Variety Tree NOW 2 for $3.99 2 for $7.99 (minimum order)

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Beautiful plumes! Dozens of large stalks grow to about 3′ topped with silky, soft plumes soaring above them. Outstanding as a background or as an accent plant. Grows to a height of 6-10′ tall with plumes. Plumes start midsummer and last through winter. Hardy and will grow in most parts of America! Plant in full to partial sun, 2-5′ apart. Potted plants. Zones 5-10.

N5324

$2.99 each

3 for $7.99

SHADE VARIETY

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WHITE PAMPAS GRASS

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JERSEY KNIGHT ASPARAGUS More productive - more delicious! Master gardeners have been known to pull the female plants from their asparagus patch (those producing red berries). This left the bigger, more succulent male plants. Now plant hybridizers have developed Jersey Knight Asparagus, a variety that grows predominantly male plants. Stalks are much larger - up to 4″ around. Yield three to four times more top quality asparagus than older varieties. These hybrid perennial plants are vigorous growers and are highly disease-resistant. Grow in poor, salty or alkaline soil. Hardy even in sub-zero weather. Grow bigger, more flavorful asparagus spears in ⅓ to ¼ less space. 1 year old, first quality plants sent. Supply is limited - order today!

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FOUR SEASONS NURSERY 1706 Morrissey Drive DEPT. 923-9075 Bloomington, Illinois 61704 Name ____________________________________ Address __________________________________ City ________________State _________________

(xx ) Zip _________________Phone ________________ Email ____________________________________

HOW MANY ITEM # N5246 N5247 N5324 N6164 N6166 N6168 N6151 N7307

GIANT BLUEBERRIES Luscious, extra juicy, perfect for pies, cakes, fresh fruit desserts and preserving. In summer, every bush is loaded with huge clusters of giant blueberries. Last a lifetime and produce an ever-increasing supply of fruit every year. The three varieties we offer differ primarily in their ripening season: N6166 Duke (early, ripens in late June), N6168 Bluecrop (midseason, ripens in mid-July), N6164 Jersey (late, ripens in late July). For better pollination we suggest you plant at least two varieties. Prices for all of one variety.

If any item you purchased from us does not live, for a free replacement just return the original shipping label along with your written request within 1 year of receipt. Replacement guarantee is void unless the original shipping label is returned. For a refund of the purchase price, return the item and the original shipping label with correct postage affixed within 14 days of receipt.

DARROW BLACKBERRY Large, sweet berries! (Rubus) A vigorous grower, it starts to bear mid-summer and continues until fall. Berries are large and sweet, wonderful fresh, canned or frozen. One of the most winter hardy blackberries. Grow 4-7′ tall. One year old number one plants. Zones 4-8.

N6151 3 for $9.99 6 for $18.49 9 for $25.99

DESCRIPTION

COST

SHADE HYBRID POPLAR SCREEN HYBRID POPLAR WHITE PAMPAS GRASS JERSEY (LATE) DUKE (EARLY) BLUECROP (MID) DARROW BLACKBERRY JERSEY KNIGHT ASPARAGUS

4.99 Packing & Processing $______ SUBTOTAL $______ IL Residents add 6.25% Sales Tax $______ MN Residents add 6.875% Sales Tax $______ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED OR CHARGED $______

■ Check or Money Order enclosed. ■ Mastercard ■ VISA Credit Card #: _____________________________ Expiration Date: ___________________________ Signature: _________________________________

Order on-line at www.4SeasonsNurseries.com/quickorder.asp