Rural Electric Nebraskan by Nebraska Rural Electric Association

November 2012

Volume 66, Number 11, November 2012

“The Rural Voice of Nebraska”

Staff Editor Wayne Price Editorial Assistant Kathy Barkmeier

Contents Features

Building a Better World

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 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.

November 2012

2012 has been named as the International Year of Co-operatives and is intended to raise public awareness of the invaluable contributions of co-operative enterprises to poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration. Frank Gallant, a writer for RE Magazine shares the story of how public power district and electric cooperative volunteers are working to keep electricity affordable, reliable, and safe around the world.

A Wild Walk For Discovery

Freelance writer Tony Kinton explains how a short walk in the woods can provide a wealth of nature observing opportunities for youngsters. Kinton has been an active outdoor writer for more than 30 years. He has published approximately 2,500 articles in state, regional, national and international magazines.

Departments EDITOR’S PAGE

SAFETY BRIEFS — Murphy

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS by James Dulley

RECIPES

ADULT PEN PALS

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS

On the cover You never know what you might find on a walk in Nebraska. See the related story on page 12. Photograph by Wayne Price.

EDITOR’S PAGE

Remembering to honor Nebraska’s military personnel ver the years I’ve noticed there is a lot of confusion between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. They both honor the men and women who served in the military but they differ in which ones. Many people mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day set aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. That’s not quite correct. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor America's war dead and is observed annually on the last Monday of May. Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors All American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank Living veterans for their dedicated and loyal service to our country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in their lives to keep our country free. I am a veteran myself. I served in the U.S. Army for three years as a single-channel radio operator. I was stationed at a small air base in Germany while I was attached to the 3rd Infantry Division. My time in the military was actually uneventful. My unit went on field training exercises to be prepared for an attack that never came. I was discharged prior to any of the conflicts in Iraq and returned home to begin my education on the G.I. Bill at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. To be honest, my service in the military wasn’t really something I would call a sacrifice. It gave me the opportunity to go to Europe, something I had always wanted to do. I was able to visit France, England and Holland and I made it to two Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich, Germany. It also gave me the chance to save up some money for college.

by Wayne Price

Check us out online

I am extremely proud of my service. I am thankful for the expereinces and opportunities that were given to me in the Army. The history of Veterans Day goes back to World War I and the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany that went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. President Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, a daylong celebration complete with parades and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m. An Act approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday. Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II and Korea, the 83rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” On October 8th, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation”. Veterans Day underwent a change in 1968 when the Uniform Holiday Bill was signed in an effort to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. However, many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on the original date. President Gerald Ford signed a law which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This move supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people. I encourage you to attend a Veterans Day celebration in your community to honor Nebraska's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Building a Better World NRECA International Programs celebrates 50 years of lighting the globe by Frank Gallant

or 70 years, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) has represented America’s public power districts and electric co-ops, fighting to keep electricity affordable, reliable, and safe, and improve the rural quality of life. But over the past half-cen-

tury, the scope of its work has reached far beyond U.S. borders. On Nov. 1, 1962, NRECA and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)—then a relatively new federal agency set up “to assist people overseas struggling to make a better life” (and resist com-

Above: NRECA International Foundation volunteers train local co-op employees and directors in how to efficiently run an electric co-op. Dennis Hill, second from right, is executive vice president & general manager of the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, and Gary Mbiad, left, recently retired as CEO of Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative in New Concord, Ohio. Photograph provided by NRECA International Program

munist expansion)—formed a partnership to carry the successful U.S. electric cooperative model to distant lands. President John F. Kennedy witnessed the signing of the agreement where he stated, “…this contract holds special promise for those countries which have realized only a small fraction of their energy potential.” In the ensuing 50 years, with the support of more than 300 NRECA member PPDs and elecctric co-ops, NRECA International Programs has spearheaded electrification projects that have resulted in increased agricultural productivity, millions of new jobs, and enhanced quality of life for more than 100 million people in 40plus nations. “Building a better planet takes experience,” NRECA CEO Glenn English remarks. “And no group has more experience bringing low-cost power to far-flung communities than America’s rural electric utilities.” One of the first projects in the late 1960s took NRECA International Programs experts—and later volunteers from Lenoir, N.C.-based Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation—to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, to form Cooperativa Rural de Electrification Ltda. CRE, as it is known, grew rapidly and has emerged as the world’s largest electric co-op, with more than 450,000

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Top left: A young man in Haiti stands by a transformer that, by electrifying his classroom, could give him more opportunities in the future. Above: Bill Marr, a lineman with White River Valley Electric Cooperative, Branson, Mo., trains local linemen in Port-auPrince, Haiti, on how to safely use equipment. Photographs provided by NRECA International Programs members. NRECA International Programs remains in Bolivia and is in talks with Cochabamba Power and Light Company about line extension proposals to irrigate the isolated Cochabamba Valleys region. To date, at least 25 percent of the Bolivian distribution system development has been supported by NRECA International Programs funding and expertise.

November 2012

As NRECA International Programs began branching out, it adopted a slogan: “Electrifying the world . . . one village at a time.” A 1977 pilot study in Bangladesh led to the establishment of 70 co-ops that now distribute power to 45 million rural residents. When an NRECA International Programs team arrived in the Philippines 40 years ago, 80 percent

of the population lived in rural areas with less than 10 percent receiving central station electric service. Today, 78 percent of the South Pacific nation’s dwellings have power, and 119 rural co-ops now serve 40 million consumers. A number of other projects have been equally successful, points out Please turn to page 8

Building a better world From page 7 Dan Waddle, senior vice president of NRECA International Programs. “The four electric co-ops in Costa Rica represent approximately 15 percent of the total electric distribution market and cover roughly 40 percent of rural areas in that country. They are completely self-sustaining and have expanded the scope and range of their offerings. Costa Ricans are gung ho for democracy, so they really embrace co-ops.” The four Costa Rican organizations, along with co-ops and rural municipal utilities in Chile, Brazil, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala, make up the Smart Grid Alliance, which aims to use large commercial and industrial accounts to demonstrate advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). AMI is a comprehensive set of technologies and software applications that combine two-way communications with smart meters to provide electric utilities—using frequent meter reads—with near real-time oversight of system operations. Through the alliance, American co-ops will be able to share smart grid technology, experiences, and best practices. “It’s a rare opportunity for these participants,” Waddle asserts. “They don’t have access to distribution automation technology like we do. They’re small, they’re rural, and vendors don’t visit them very often except to sell products. They seldom have the opportunity for real exchange.” Leading the charge from Virginia Waddle leads a staff of 14 from NRECA’s headquarters in Arlington, Va. Five reside in the countries they are responsible for Guatemala, Bolivia/Dominican Republic, Haiti, South Sudan, and Bangladesh. NRECA International Programs is made up of two arms. NRECA International Foundation, a registered charitable 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1985, partners with public power districts and electric

Ben Young, left, of Coweta-Fayette EMC in Palmetto, Ga., and Cory Patterson of Carroll EMC in Carrollton, Ga., help string wire at a Costa Rican co-op. Photograph provided by NRECA International Programs co-ops in the United States to provide funding, equipment, and volunteer personnel to assist foreign electric co-ops. Meanwhile, NRECA International, Ltd., provides guidance to newly formed co-ops during the initial stages of operation and offers technical help to those that have difficulties achieving sustainable operation. The organization operates offices in nine countries, with electrification projects in 13: Bangladesh, Bolivia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Yemen. NRECA International Foundation recruits co-op volunteers—usually line technicians, CEOs, and engineering managers—to send on twoto three-week assignments. While overseas, line technicians build dis-

tribution systems, wire houses, and train native line crews to work more productively and safely. Managers educate administrators and board members, while engineers guide their counterparts in line design and substation construction and maintenance. In addition, NRECA International Foundation oversees four donation programs. Dozens of rural electric utilities contribute monetarily, while others turn over used line trucks and distribution equipment. “Transformers and bucket trucks are especially valuable and are always in demand,” stresses Ingrid Hunsicker, NRECA International Foundation senior program manager. “Co-op employees can give to the Foundation through the United Coop Appeal ‘Gift of Light’ program, an annual workplace fundraising cam-

Rural Electric Nebraskan

paign handled by the Cooperative Development Foundation.” The road ahead As NRECA International Programs embarks on its next 50 years, an enormous new mission has arisen in South Asia and Africa. “We’ve already picked the lowhanging fruit,” Waddle comments. “For example, rural Bangladeshis live in densely packed villages, where sufficient revenue exists per mile of line to support a utility. That’s not the case elsewhere. In Uganda, only 9 percent of the population has access to electricity, and in rural areas, it’s much lower. On top of that, few people have the ability to pay for electricity.” But political strife more than infrastructure hardships makes Third World electrification increasingly difficult. “Our biggest concern right now is security, and the safety of our personnel. Afghanistan, South Sudan, Uganda, and Pakistan all experience severe peace-and-order problems.”

November 2012

Of course, social upheaval, economic instability, and physical danger have always lurked on the periphery of NRECA International Programs endeavors. But its dedicated contingent has never let that get in the way. They’ve negotiated government officials, with unearthed financial resources, and made sure indigenous workers and American electric co-op volunteers stay safe. As he looks five years out, Waddle expects that Africa and South Asia will occupy much of his section’s attention. Pakistani utilities, he explains, “must improve rural line design and construction standards, and invest in new technology. Most Pakistanis have central station power, but the distribution system is old and outdated.” Africa likely will present the greatest challenge of all. “The needs on the continent are immense, and the situation is grim. There are two key issues: food security and water. Electricity plays a big role in both.” Source: RE Magazine

Check and maintain Christmas tree freshness this season ith Christmas just around the corner, it's time to find that perfect Christmas tree for the season. Whether it is a pre-cut tree from a retail lot or a cut-yourown tree, Nebraska Forest Service forester Dennis Adams says beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but freshness is the key. Adams said freshness is the main advantage of going to a local Christmas tree farm and having the grower cut the tree. “Buying from a local tree farm helps keep money in the Nebraska economy and helps local businesses,” Adams said. Another advantage of real trees is the fragrance and aroma that everyone associates with a Christmas tree. Adams said people need to ensure that pre-cut trees are fresh and not dried out, because dry trees can present potential fire hazards. Adams said some pre-cut trees are cut long before Thanksgiving and shipped in, so checking for freshness at the retail lot is important.

Adams said some easy ways to check for freshness include striking the tree on the ground to see how many needles fall out, stroking tree branches to check for softness and flexibility and also taking needles between fingers to check for flexibility. He said most trees at retail lots are

the cut surface and should make sure the tree is watered regularly. Once trees are up in the home, Adams said people need to take precautions. Don’t set up the tree near heat sources because the heat can dry the foliage. Only use Underwriters Laboratories (UL) inspected lights. Also check the wiring on Christmas lights to make sure there are no shorts or frayed ends. “Common sense is important to keep trees fresh,” Adams said. He said a fresh-cut tree can last a long time, depending on the species of the tree. If people do what they can to keep their tree fresh, Adams said it easily will last through the Christmas season. “People will have no problem keeping up a tree from the time it is put up until after Christmas and into the first of the year,” Adams said. The Nebraska Forest Service is part of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Taking care of a Christmas tree is just like keeping fresh cut flowers in a vase.

sprayed with green colorant, so green needles don't necessarily mean fresh trees. If many green needles fall off or the green needles are brittle, that's a good indication the tree isn't fresh. People should cut about one-half inch off the butt end of a pre-cut tree and then put the tree in a stand that holds plenty of water. Adams said trees can absorb up to a gallon in the first day. A tree that doesn't absorb water is most likely dry. He said people shouldn't let the water get below

Rural Electric Nebraskan

November 2012

Every season offers unique opportunities for learning about nature simply by taking a walk in the woods. Photograph by Debbie Stringer

by Tony Kinton

ature is a grand teacher. Few experiences provide more learning opportunities than observation and absorption of wild places and things. If there is a drawback in this process, it is that these wild places and things are not always easily accessible. Urban lifestyles are seldom conducive to such activity, so some effort may be required to find suitable settings. But the rewards are worth that effort. The individual who elects to explore and see and hear the wild will come away from that exploration wiser and more insightful. To begin this out-of-the-classroom learning, consider a woods walk. This is a logical first step and one requiring no investment apart from locating a viable area in which to roam. That area can be as simple and close by as a city park. Expand that a bit and National Forests/Parks or Wildlife Management Areas enter the picture. Even a private landowner outside the city may be agreeable to allowing a group onto his or her property. Wherever you go, however, there are some rather strict parameters in which you should function. Perhaps the most important among these is personal safety; this is paramount if large tracts of land such as National Forests are used. Becoming lost is likely the No. 1 threat while visiting such properties, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rely on instinct. Take along a compass or GPS, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t push the envelope of time. Get out of the woods before darkness falls. Always know where you are and how to get back to your beginning point. Wild places and wild things are just that â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wild! These pose some degree of danger regardless of how sedate they may appear. There are plants that scratch and sting and cause allergic reactions. A book or pamphlet describing the plant life of the area is a wise addition to any day pack. The same goes for the animals. They are not cute and cuddly pets. They are wild, each with

Rural Electric Nebraskan

a built-in defense mechanism that can and will be activated with little provocation if they perceive you as a threat. Stay clear. Watch, admire, and learn from all of them, but keep your distance. Another guideline to follow during this walk is basic respect. That is what you are doing when you give those wild animals space; you are respecting them. But also respect the land. No litter is permitted. Nothing should be taken or moved. Leave things as they are. And be particularly careful of noise. A boisterous group will have little chance of seeing wildlife, and unnecessary noise will hinder the efforts of others who may be there on a walk as well. Go quietly. Listening is a very real part of the learning while on a woods walk. And there are other more obvious things to consider when preparing for that walk. Take water, perhaps even a snack. Dress appropriately. A rain jacket may be in order. A hat is a near necessity. Don’t forget the sun screen and insect repellent. A walking staff can be highly beneficial. Think

There’s no minimum age for enjoying the beauty and peace of a forest walk. Photograph by Steve Hillebrand, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Public-DomainImage.com through the walk and time in the most prodigious life form in the woods woods and prepare accordingly. It is and provide the primary food sources better to have an item you don’t need for a wide variety of birds and animals on a given hike than to need somethat live there. Determining what thing you don’t have. these are is a big step in becoming Now that you are prepared and educated in the ways of the wild. have a place selected, what are you Trees fall into two basic categories: looking for in this search for learning? Hardwoods and evergreens. Let’s begin with plants. These are the Depending upon geography, the former will be species such as oaks, hickories, gum, and elm. The latter can be Explore Nebraska’s historic trails with your family anything from pine to cedar to fir. There are certainly others. And there ebraska has long been Historical Park, and Ash Hollow are trees that, like oaks and hickories known for its historic trails, State Historical Park. that lose their leaves each year, are which carried early explorA number of Nebraska Game and not categorized as hardwoods. They ers, pioneers and gold seekers into Parks Commission areas were sigare soft like the pine but are deciduthe western frontier. The Lewis nificant in the journey of Lewis and ous. Examples are poplar and aspen. and Clark, Oregon, Clark’s Corps of Discovery. Indian A pamphlet highlighting the trees of California, Mormon Pioneer Cave State Park, Ponca State the area will help in the identification. and Pony Express National Park, Niobrara State Park, And there are under story plants. Historic Trails all traverse Fort Atkinson State These are far too numerous to list, but Nebraska. Trail ruts, stage Historical Park, Brownville some are honeysuckle, greenbrier, stations, and road ranches State Recreation Area, Pelican blackberry, and beautyberry, again still stand throughout Point State Recreation Area, depending upon geography. Refer to Nebraska as reminders of the Lewis and Clark State that pamphlet in your day pack to sacrifices, struggles and triumphs of Recreation Area and Two Rivers help identify these. And that identifyearly American travelers and setState Recreation Area played host ing will lead to a better knowledge of tlers. to the expedition and/or were cited how these relate to the wildlife. The The Nebraska Game and Parks in their journals. A variety of interplants are food sources. Commission operates several areas pretive material and programming Oaks have acorns. Hickories have with storied connections to the hisexists at each location. Please conhickory nuts. Dogwoods have berries. toric trails of Nebraska. They tact park staff at individual areas to Pines have cones. Deer, bears, squirinclude Rock Creek Station State determine if displays, demonstraHistorical Park, Fort Kearny State tions or centers are available. Please turn to page 17

November 2012

The Way of the Lotus Scientists develop protective coatings for power lines that mimic lotus plants’ ability to repel water

by Angela Perez

magine dropping your cell phone into a swimming pool— and then, after a panicked retrieval, finding it’s completely dry and works just fine. This scenario is now entirely possible thanks to recent developments in water-repellent coatings known as superhydrophobics. Once applied, superhydrophobic coatings render a surface not just water resistant (like a Gore-Tex-treated raincoat), but completely untouchable by liquids. The potential is astounding. “Practical application of this technology will save electric consumers millions of dollars in repair costs by protecting equipment that is vulnerable to liquids, like ice,” asserts Tom Lovas, technical liaison and contractor with the Cooperative Research

Network (CRN), the research and development arm of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Bio-inspiration Scientists refer to superhydropho-

bics as the “lotus effect.” Revered by many Far East cultures for its purity, the aquatic lotus plant boasts large, round leaves covered in hairy micro- and nanoscopic protrusions. These protrusions instantly repel liquids (like raindrops, for example) by forcing them outward at a 150- to 180-degree angle. In essence, that force allows air to enter between the leaf and the droplets, keeping water from ever actually touching the leaf. In fact, if you were to immerse an aquatic lotus into a tank of water, the foliage would appear coated in shimmering translucent silver because air is trapped between the water and the leaf’s surface. “Just like lotus leaves, synthetic superhydrophobic coatings make surfaces virtually ‘unwettable,’” Lovas states. “Manufacturers are quickly finding ways to put the products to use.” For electric utilities, Dr. John Simpson, a pioneering researcher at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has developed a glass-based coating that he says could be applied to power lines and other outdoor electrical equipment. Simpson’s powder creates a microscopic air layer between the coated material and any water on the surface so that, just like a lotus leaf, the material stays dry even if totally submerged in water. In a simulation conducted in an environmental chamber at the lab,

Left: Lines treated with a superhydrophobic coating repel liquids and prevent major ice accumulation. Any ice that might sit atop the lines would be easily blown off by wind or vibration from power flow. Right: When freezing rain accumulates on power lines, they become extremely heavy, often breaking and toppling support poles, which leads to outages. Photographs provided by Cooperative Research Network

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Simpson sprayed cables in freezing water and found that only a small ridge of ice accumulated, which easily vanished with a quick tap. “In the real world, vibration from power flow plus movement from wind would continually knock any ice off,” Simpson points out. Built-in cleaning service There’s another feature of superhydrophobics that mimics the lotus leaf: “self-cleaning.” The lotus leaf’s continual movement—caused by wind, rain, waves or passing animals—drags away dust particles, fungus, or other potentially harmful contaminants. Similarly, Simpson’s coating allows power lines and attached devices to repel water droplets that, in turn, carry away salt and other elements contributing to deterioration. “Every winter, ice and freezing rain cause power lines to snap and equipment to short out,” Lovas remarks. “And in coastal areas, sea spray coats distribution and transmission equipment with corrosive salt. These harsh conditions cost electric utilities, and consequently consumers, millions of dollars every year in equipment damages. A superhydrophobic coating could prevent these problems and improve service reliability.” If his formula proves effective in practical applications, Simpson estimates that losses to large transmission lines could be reduced by 40 percent to 90 percent—saving individual electric cooperatives hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. CRN, in partnership with researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology, has been field testing its own superhydrophobic coating. “Superhydrophobics are a prime focus for our research because part of our job is to create solutions for public power districts and electric co-ops,” Lovas explains. “Ice and corrosion continue to be very expensive concerns. We hope to change all that.” Source: Cooperative Research Network

November 2012

Energy efficiency myth debunked earch for “energy efficiency tips” on Google and you’ll get more than 10 million results, including the good, the bad and the ugly. Somewhere in that 10 million is the notion that cramming water bottles in your freezer to keep it cold will cut energy consumption. File that under “the bad.” “If you take a bottle of tap water— which is typically between 68 and 74 degrees—and put it in your freezer, your freezer has to get that water cold. And it takes a lot of effort for the freezer to do that,” said Brian Sloboda, senior program manager at NRECA’s Cooperative Research Network. “When there’s food in it—or even if it’s empty—and the door is closed, all the freezer has to do is one simple thing: keep the interior walls cold,” Sloboda said. “They’re designed to do that. They’re not designed to be filled

with room temperature water and have to work really hard to get the heat out of the water and freeze it.” Sloboda said if you’ve bought a freezer “in the last five or eight or even 10 years, you have a pretty efficient machine there.” And if it is Energy Star approved, so much the better. The water bottle idea does have one instance where Sloboda said it could be useful. “If you take your bottles of water outside and let Mother Nature freeze them for you, then you won’t be expending extra energy to make them cold,” he said. And if the power goes out, tossing those frozen bottles in the freezer—and then keeping the door closed—can help. “But in most typical outages,” Sloboda added, “your utility is able to restore power long before your food will ever thaw out, as long as you keep the door closed.”

SAFETY BRIEFS

Avoid the dangers of holiday decorations t’s the happiest season of all, but it is also one of the most dangerous. This holiday season, Safe Electricity encourages you to be aware of electrical hazards that come with the season. “Holiday decorations are one of the most festive and dangerous parts of the season,” says Molly Hall, executive director of the Safe Electricity program. “Combine holiday lighting, space heating, and holiday guests, and you have a lot of safety hazards.” With the following information from Safe Electricity, you can keep your season merry, bright, and safe: • Your safety precautions should start before you begin holiday decorating. Inspect all the lights you plan on using. Make sure the wires are in good condition—not cracked, brittle, or frayed. The sockets should not be damaged, and no light bulbs should be missing. • All lights should be certified by Underwriters Laboratory, ETL, or CSA. The Underwriters Laboratory symbol is a capital UL in a circle with the word “LISTED” below. The ETL symbol is a capital ETL in a

circle, with a small CM at the end of the “L”. The circle contains the words INTERK and LISTED. The CSA label is a large letter “C” around the letters “S” and “A.” You should be especially observant of proper listings if you buy lights online. • Never tack or nail through a strand of lights. Do not place cords under rugs or in high traffic areas. • Never string more than three

strands of lights together unless the packaging says it is safe to do so. The lights could overload and start a fire. • Turn the lights off before going to sleep or leaving the house. A timer can help you do this. • For outdoor decorations, use only lights and decorations that are rated for outdoor use. Use plastic or insulated hooks to hang lights. • Lighted and electrical outdoor decorations should be plugged into ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected outlets. GFCIs detect and prevent dangerous electrical situations where a shock may occur. GFCI protection is very important outdoors, where weather conditions can create dangerous electrical situations. • Do not overload extension cords or outlets. Electric overloads can cause shocks and start fires. • All children and pets in your home, including ones that are visiting for the holidays, should know the dangers of electricity and know that your electrical decorations are not toys. Source: SafeElectricity.org.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

A Wild Walk for Discovery From page 13 rels, and turkeys relish acorns. Squirrels consume the interiors of pine cones with gusto. A host of birds feed on berries of all types. The sign of such feeding activity will be visible at the bases of trees if indeed this fruit is in season and being used by wildlife. Careful scrutiny of the ground beneath these trees will reveal acorn hulls, the fragments of pine cones, and the tell-tale turning of leaves where the animals have sniffed and scratched about in search of these prized morsels. If you find the food you will find the wildlife. However, even the mildest intrusion will send most wildlife scurrying from any perceived danger. Stealth is essential if you are to observe most wild animals. Look for tracks. There is a story of life in each one. The tiny claw marks of a squirrel along a sand ditch can show that part of that animal’s daily routine is a trip to some water source. He may have eaten an acorn while there; its husk can tell the story. And the raccoon has likely been there as well. His track, not unlike that of a baby’s footprint, lets you know the raccoon visited that very spot, perhaps in search of supper. And that faint path in the leaves through the woods: It could be a deer trail. If so, the two-toed impressions will be there. That trail can lead you to where the deer seeks hiding and security during the daylight hours and where he goes to feed as the sun sinks beneath the horizon at day’s end. A story of life imprinted on the forest floor. There will be other tracks: Turkeys, birds, mice, mink, and coyotes. Geography will dictate the preponderance or lack thereof. All, however, will tell a story, a story of truth, of life. And if you have gone on that walk with a keen interest in learning, you will have learned as the day closes. You will have learned in a setting that no textbook or lab or lecture can match. Your education in such matters will be enhanced from a walk in the wild places.

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS

Improve the energy efficiency of old windows by James Dulley

Our house has its original sinQ :gle-pane windows, and we always feel chilly near them. I got quotes on having them replaced, but I can’t afford it now. What can I do in the meantime to improve the efficiency of the old windows? : I’m not surprised to hear you

A feel chilly near old single-pane

windows on a cold day—they typically have huge heat loss and cold-air gain because of poor caulking and weather stripping (if there is any to begin with). You probably also feel hot near them during summer. The most significant heat loss and chilly feeling occurs on a clear winter night. The R-value—a higher-the-better number that shows the ability of insulation to resist the transfer of heat—of a single pane of glass is only R-1, as compared to an insulated wall at R-20. There are many things you can do on a limited budget to improve the year-round efficiency of your windows. Before you attempt to make any improvements though, first check the caulking and weatherstripping on the windows and ensure the framing is not deteriorated. If you find subpar conditions, fix them before you attempt any improvements, or your hard work won’t be worth much. Adding storm windows, either interior or exterior, can more than double the energy efficiency of your existing windows. Custom-made, multi-track storm windows can often cost almost as much as totally new windows, so make your own using clear acrylic sheets. Another advantage of using acrylic instead of glass is that acrylic blocks most of the sun’s fading ultraviolet rays. Exterior storm windows can be made with 1-by-2-inch lumber, acrylic

sheet, and foam weather stripping. If you size them to fit inside the wall opening and paint them to match your existing window frames, they will look like part of your windows. The compressible foam weather stripping should hold them in place in the opening. Push them in as far as possible to minimize the air gap. To install interior storm windows, use a kit with magnetic seals. The

Energy-saving window film is installed on clean wet glass using a squeegee to eliminate bubbles. Photograph provided by CP Films magnetic section of the seal attaches to the acrylic sheet with an adhesive backing, and the steel strip attaches to the window frame. This allows you to easily remove them during summer for ventilation, but if you use air conditioning most of the summer, just leave them up year-round. Another option is to install insulating window shades or curtains to increase the overall insulation level of the window opening and to block the radiant heat loss from your skin through the window. Something as simple as a pull-down pleated shade can help quite a bit. Even closing

Venetian blinds blocks your skin’s exposure to the cold outdoors. Some of the most efficient window shades can add R-6 insulation to your windows. These are multilayer rollup shades with a heat reflecting airproof inner film layer to greatly reduce radiant heat loss (or gain during summer). I also close mine on a hot summer day. These shades are particularly effective because the side edges slide in channel tracks, which reduces the amount of air that circulates against the cold glass. The newest energy-saving permanent window films are also effective for reducing wintertime heat loss. These films have just a very slight tint so they can’t be detected and use the same type of microscopically thin low-emissivity metallic coating as expensive replacement windows. Simple vinyl static-cling film will also help a bit. But before installing anything on double-pane windows, check the window manufacturer’s warranty regarding film application. Do-it-yourself energy-saving film installation kits are available at most home improvement stores. Depending on your climate, you may want to select a darker tint if summertime heat gain is your most significant concern. Because the sun is higher in the sky during summer, installing window awnings for shade and a lighter film on south-facing windows will allow for some passive solar heating from the lower wintertime sun. A final option is to install a tilt-in double-pane, sash-only replacement kit. If your existing frames are in good condition, this will convert your old windows into very efficient ones. This option also provides the convenience of tilt-in sashes for the ease of cleaning both sides of the window glass from indoors.

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

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Know the proper way to approach a fire by Kelly Trapnell

here there’s smoke, there’s fire. And while all blazes may look the same, fires should not be treated equally. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, more than 26,000 electrical home fires result in property damage, injuries, and even death every year. Remember this acronym F.I.R.E for electrical safety:

Find the source before it starts Old or faulty wiring often emerges as the main culprit in causing electrical fires. In electrical fires, heat from wiring or an overloaded system can provide the strike that leads to a fire. But there are often signs before a fire even starts. Investigate the signs If you notice flickering lights, recurring trips in a circuit breaker, or a tell-tale sizzling sound around wiring and hot light switches, call a qualified electrician. These may indicate an imminent fire hazard. Remedy the problem If you have any signs of a pending fire or have worries about old wiring, contact a professional electrician. Other precautions include: • Use correct wattage bulbs to prevent overheating fixtures. • Avoid using damaged cords or running cords under rugs. • Do not overload outlets or extension cords. • Do not use appliances in wet areas. • Routinely check appliances for signs of wear and tear or overheating. Exit the Building and Learn to Extinguish Properly If you are faced with an electrical fire, call 911 immediately and have everyone exit the building. If you feel

November 2012

you must face a small fire, know the proper way to approach it. • Never use water on an electrical fire. Water conducts electricity, so it will not smother the fire and may lead to electrocution. • If the circuit breaker does not trip in the area on fire, shut off the main breaker to the house if possible. Be sure to approach the breaker only if the fire is not nearby and if your hands are dry. • Never use a Class A extinguisher on an electrical fire. Use a Class C or a multi-purpose ABC model. If there

is no extinguisher available or the class of extinguisher is not known, baking soda may help smother the flames. • Again, if the fire is not quickly extinguished, exit the building. Even though the source and treatment of fires may differ, they produce the same results. You are no match for the force of a house fire—learn F.I.R.E. and protect yourself. Sources: U.S. Fire Administration, Electrical Safety Foundation International, National Fire Incident Reporting System

It’s important to identify and fix electrical problems. Avoid using damaged cords or running cords under rugs. Photograph provided by U.S. Fire Administration

DOWN HOME

RECIPES

Grandma’s Squash Pudding 3/4 cup raisins 2 eggs 1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds 1/2 cup milk (reserve 1/4 cup to sprinkle on top 1/2 cup applesauce of pudding) 1/2 cup brown sugar 3 cups cooked winter squash 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (butternut works best) 1 1/2 cups brown rice (cook first) 2 apples, cored and chopped In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sugar, applesauce, and cinnamon. Stir in the rice, apples, raisins, nuts, and squash. Spread pudding in an ungreased 9x13 pan (glass pan works best.) Sprinkle remaining nuts on top of pudding. Bake uncovered in preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes, or until the top of the pudding begins to turn golden and the pudding is no longer juicy.

Caroline Eckstrom, Stanton, Nebraska

Thai Turkey Roll-ups Peanut Sauce 1 Large lime, zested and juiced 2 Tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce 2 Tablespoons green onion, minced 1 Tablespoon cilantro, minced 2 Tablespoons crunchy peanut butter 2 Teaspoons light brown sugar 1 Teaspoon fresh ginger root, peeled and minced 1 Teaspoon fresh garlic, minced 1/4 Teaspoon red pepper flakes In a medium bowl, combine lime juice and zest, soy sauce, onions, cilantro, peanut butter, sugar, ginger root, garlic and pepper flakes. Stir well. 4 8-inch whole wheat tortillas 1 lb. Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, sliced thin 2 oz. red onion, sliced thin 2 oz lettuce, washed, drained, chilled and shredded 4 Teaspoons cilantro, washed, drained and chilled Spread each tortilla with Peanut Sauce. Layer each with 4 ounces sliced turkey. Evenly sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon onion, 1 tablespoon lettuce and 1 teaspoon cilantro. Roll up tightly and cut on the diagonal. Serve chilled.

Recipe provided by the National Turkey Federation

Cheesy Potato Bacon Chowder 1 (14.5 oz.) can chicken broth 1/2 cup water 3-4 medium potatoes, diced 1/2 cup onion, diced 1 Tablespoon chopped green pepper 3-4 baby carrots sliced very thin 4-5 slices bacon

3/4 cup milk 1/2 lb. Velveeta cheese 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese 2 Tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 cup cold water Tabasco

Boil veggies in broth and water until tender. Fry bacon until crisp and then chop. Add milk, and cheeses. Stir together at low heat until cheese melts. Thicken with cornstarch mixed with 1/2 cup cold water. Season to taste with salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon pepper, small amount of sugar, & 2-3 drops Tabasco.

Marlene Ballenger, Berwyn, Nebraska

Danish Tapioca Date Nut Pudding 1 cup large pearl tapioca 5 cups water Soak overnight in a 2 quart covered casserole dish. Uncover & Add: 1 cup chopped nuts 1 cup chopped dates 2 cups brown sugar Place dish in another pan with 2 inches of water and bake at 325 degrees for 2 – 2 1/2 hours. Stirring occasionally.

Joanne Dueland, McCook, Nebraska

Rural Electric Nebraskan

NOV - 1: DWM, 57, from central Nebraska looking for country lady 50-60 who likes horses, cattle, hunting, and fishing. Please send photo & phone number, will answer. NOV - 2: SWF, 26, looking for a good honest guy 26 to early 30s. I enjoy the outdoors, grilling, 4-wheeling, and watching movies. If interested please send a phone number and photo appreciated.

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.

NOV – 3: WM, 48, NS, 6’3”, athletic built, outgoing and attractive, wellrounded, loves music (almost all types), outdoors, sports, animals, art and more. Seeking nice lady 40-54, preferably slender, athletic, of average built from east 1/2 of Nebraska who enjoys good conversation and laughter. Please send photo and phone or email. Will answer all. NOV - 4: SWM, 54, small farm owner, work for schools, camping, hunting, fishing. Looking for companionship. Send full length photo. I’ll send full length photo and phone number. NOV – 5: SWCF, 29 w/good career

looking for 30-45, SWCM, NS, no children, above average intelligence, well read, established in career. Must have a sense of humor, like camping, hiking, traveling and eventually want a long term relationship with children and a large dog. Send photo, phone number and /or email address. NOV - 6: DWCM, NS, 70, active rural farm dweller. Seeking educated, eclectic, contemporary, rural agenda woman who is convinced that her world doesn’t end at the county line. Let’s make this interesting, rewarding and fun. Write. NOV -7: WF, NS, petite lady looking for active guy under 75, sense of humor, likes to have fun, dancing a must, traveler/snowbird a plus. Send letter and picture and I will too. You won’t be disappointed. E/NE Nebraska. NOV -8: Wid, WF, 70. Enjoy life, conversation, travel, movies, eating out. Wonder if anyone out there would like to share their interest? Send photo, phone number, email and snail mail. Let’s communicate!

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.

For a FREE color brochure send the ad coupon or call toll free 800-658-7076 or fax 507-462-3211. www.nordaashomes.com P.O. Box 116, Minnesota Lake, MN 56068-0116

Abbreviation Code C — Christian; C/W — Country-western; D — Divorced; F — Female; M — Male; NS — Non-Smoker; ND — Non-Drinker; R&R — Rock and roll; S — Single; W — White; Wid — Widowed

November 2012

REC

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS Farm â&#x20AC;¢ Industrial â&#x20AC;¢ Commercial

25 Year Warranty on Roof & Walls; Prices F.O.B. Mfg. Plants; Seal Stamped Blue Prints; Easy Bolt Together Design. 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 50 x 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122;..........$7,999 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 12â&#x20AC;&#x2122;.........$11,499 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 100â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 12â&#x20AC;&#x2122;.......$22,960 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 100â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 14â&#x20AC;&#x2122;.......$30,900 100â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 150â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 14â&#x20AC;&#x2122;....$55,118

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

PRICES INCLUDE COLOR SIDES & GALVALUME ROOF

Arena Special (roof & frame) 100â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 100â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 14â&#x20AC;&#x2122;...$33,992

(Local codes may affect prices)

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

F a x : 9 4 0 - 4 8 4 - 6 7 4 6 e m a i l : info@rhinobldg.com Website: http://www.RHINOBLDG.COM

Toll Free

1-888-320-7466

ll Ca ree F l l To

Siz

O es A ther vail a

ble

MID-AMERICA Pole Barn Co. 30 x 50 x 10 Galvalume

Price includes material, delivery, construction, factory trusses, screws Open M - F 8 to 5

1-866-456-0959 Ask about our Outstanding Warranties

1SF "TTFNCMFE *OTUBMMT JO .JOVUFT

$BT$BEF 8 *N&MQFHBODF

'MPBUJOH 10/% '06/5"*/ BUFS SPWF 2 V E BJMJ "FSBUPS UZ .431 :PV 1BZ $PNQMFUF XJUI MJHIU UJNFS GU QPXFS DPSE ZS XBSSBOUZ

$BMM EBZT XFFL

'"45 614 TIJQQJOH SJHIU UP ZPVS EPPS XXX mTIQPOEBFSBUPS DPN

1-800-369-3882 The Wild Game on your land is worth $200 to $30,000 each year, every year!

www.toplinebuildings.com sales@toplinebuildings.com

For information without cost or obligation, call 1-877-738-4915

BIG RED OUTDOORS P.O. Box 203/319 2nd St, Dodge, NE 68633

Rural Electric Nebraskan

EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT BUT WE ALL SHARE ONE COMMON GOAL. As consumer-owned electric co-ops, we serve the needs of many people. Still, we all share a common interest: the need for affordable, reliable electricity – power that helps rural communities and economies thrive. Working together with our 44 member co-ops, Tri-State generates and transmits electricity across a diverse landscape in the rural West. And it takes a balanced approach to resource planning and managing costs to make it possible. So it is with a spirit of cooperation that we work together, delivering the highest value to the 1.5 million people whose lives we energize.

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.