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Volume 66, Number 10, October 2012
“The Rural Voice of Nebraska”
Staff Editor Wayne Price Editorial Assistant Kathy Barkmeier
Contents Features
To Finish or Not to Finish?
6
Published by the How do you get the most bang for your buck in home improvements? Freelance writer John Bruce explains what projects will give the greatest returns in today’s economy. 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.
Cubbies Market delivers the goods
12
Tom and Miki Loos share a touch of Illinois with their grocery store in Shickley, Neb. They started another venture earlier this year selling a mustard based on a recipe that’s been around for more than 80 years.
Departments EDITOR’S PAGE
4
SAFETY BRIEFS — Murphy
16
CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS by James Dulley
18
RECIPES
20
ADULT PEN PALS
21
MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS
22
On the cover No danger to Nebraska's early settlers was feared more than the Plains Indian warrior, as depicted here in Wayne Stroot's "Iron Bull" illustration.
Rates: $10 for one year; $15 for two years; $20 for three years, plus local and state tax.
October 2012
3
EDITOR’S PAGE
Scaring up a safe and sugary Halloween alloween is just around the corner and my inner ghoul is rejoicing. I’ve always loved Halloween and not just for the candy. I’m a monster fan at heart, especially the popular Universal monsters. I enjoy walking with my kids around the neighborhood to trick or treat. I also like to stay home and answer the door to hand out treats. I like all the frightening, bone-chilling sights and sounds that are part of Halloween. It’s the costumes and the decorations, from the fake cobwebs to the plastic heart that squirts imitation blood. The issue I have with Halloween is how to enjoy all those things and not traumatize the little ones? While I love the idea of dressing up like a zombie and popping out of an opening in the porch on Halloween, it’s probably not something that will be a big hit with most of the kids that come trick or treating. Or with my neighbors. I’m sure they don’t like the idea of hearing their kids screaming in terror following a visit to my house on Oct. 31. Nearly all of my Halloween ideas ultimately get vetoed by my wife. She’s probably helped prevent a neighborhood petition to declare our house off limits on Halloween. For several years I’ve wanted to get a costume of Chewbacca, the large, hairy sidekick of Han Solo in the Star Wars movies. My wife pointed out that a Wookie will look a lot like Bigfoot to most kids. She helped me to see how a large, hairy creature lumbering across the lawn or popping out from behind a tree to surprise a porch full of little ghosts and ghouls could quickly go from a viral You Tube video to an expensive insurance claim. As you prepare to turn your home into “Castle Transylvania” it is important to keep the small visitors in mind. The excitement of the night combined with the elevated amount of chocolate and sugar often cause children to forget about safety. It is a good idea to keep all sidewalks and steps clear of decorations that could cause a child to fall. The wooden scarecrow that you bought at a craft store because it was so adorable could cause a child to trip and fall down your steps. Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, garden hoses, and flower pots that could trip small children. If you put out deco-
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by Wayne Price
4
rations such as headstones and coffins, place them where they will not be in the way. Keep the path and stairs to your front door well illuminated. Check to make sure all the outside lights are working. Battery powered jack-o-lantern lights and glow sticks are preferable to real flame candles. If you do use candles, place the carved jack-o-lantern well away from where trick-ortreaters will be walking or standing. Inspect all your electrical decorations. Look for cracked or frayed sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections. Make sure electrical decorations are approved by a nationally recognized certification organization like “UL” (Underwriters Laboratory) and marked for outdoor use if you are using them outside. Check www.cpsc.gov or www.ul.com for recalls. Many Halloween toys have been recalled in the past by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission). Make sure decorative lighting is well-ventilated and a safe distance from anything flammable like dry leaves and shrubs. It’s a good idea to have a fully charged fire extinguisher handy, just in case. If you are taking small children trick-ortreating, be sure to go over some basic safety rules before you leave the house. Make sure the child’s costume fits properly, so the child will not trip over any part of the costume. Use face paint instead of a mask. Buy costumes that are flame resistant or flame-retardant. The fabric will resist burning and will be extinguished quickly. One way to increase visibility is to decorate or trim costumes and bags with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware or craft stores. Children should also carry flashlights to see and be seen. If your child’s costume includes swords, knives or other accessories, make sure they are made of soft, flexible material. I’ve invested in a few packages of nylon cobwebs and a battery-powered flying bat to decorate the porch this year. And I’ll have some scary sounds playing on a hidden boom box. Stop by if you’re in the neighborhood. Watch out for Bigfoot.
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To Finish or Not to Finish? by John Bruce
6
Rural Electric Nebraskan
mericans are staying put. A down economy is driving most people to bunker down in their homes instead of moving, and many wonder whether to finish that attic or replace the front door as they try to out-wait hard times. Only 10 percent of the general public feels that now is the time to sell their home, according to Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey released in November 2011. The survey shows 75 percent of Americans believe the economy is on the wrong track. It stands to reason that long-term homeowners want to make their property as livable as possible. How do electric utility members get the most bang for their buck in home improvements during a down economy? Which specific home improvements are shown to deliver the most value right now, according to the experts? On the flip side, can a home improvement actually reduce property value? Exterior home improvements typically deliver the most value for homeowners. A cost vs. value report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) ranks exterior improvements among the best home investments on HouseLogic.com, their consumer website. The report “shows the value of putting your
A
Auburn University Professor Paul Holley assists students sawing fiber-cement siding to demonstrate wind-resistant building techniques after an outbreak of tornadoes swept through Alabama last year. Photograph provided by FEMA home’s best facade forward, so to speak,” says NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami. Exterior projects are important to a home’s regular upkeep and are expected to recoup far more than many other improvements. Plus, they add instant curb appeal when times are finally right to sell a home. A home’s attractiveness, the indicator of initial appeal, makes a big
Countdown to Value! Here are the top seven home improvement values, according to the National Association of Realtors:
7: Vinyl siding 6: Deck 5: Garage door 4: Minor kitchen remodel 3: Converting attic to bedroom 2: Steel entry door 1: Fiber-cement siding
difference. Exterior elements covering large areas such as siding, entry and garage doors have the greatest visual impact. Updated exteriors give sellers an edge because buyers are attracted to a home before entering. According to the NAR, seven of the top 10 most cost-effective projects nationally in terms of value recouped are exterior projects. An upscale fiber-cement siding is judged as the number one improvement value by the NAR, with an estimated 78 percent of costs recouped upon resale. Two other siding projects ranked in the top 10, including foam-backed vinyl and upscale vinyl. Both are expected to recoup roughly 70 percent of costs. A steel entry door replacement, the least expensive project in the report, averages little more than $1,200 and is expected to recoup 73 percent of its cost. Garage door replacement, a wood deck addition, and vinyl window replacement are all expected to recoup around 70 percent of costs, as well. But good deals aren’t limited to the exterior. Conversion of existing Please turn to page 8
October 2012
7
To Finish or Not to Finish? From page 7 space, such as a minor kitchen remodel, turning an attic into a bedroom or finishing a basement, is more likely to bring a better return than an addition. On the interior, NAR considers attic and kitchen remodeling projects worthwhile investments. The least expensive way to add a bedroom and bathroom within a home’s existing footprint is an attic bedroom, expected to return 72.5 percent of costs. A minor kitchen remodel is expected to return 72 percent of costs. Least-return improvements are a sunroom addition and a home office remodel, both estimated to recoup less than 46 percent of costs. An inground pool can add to a home’s value, but there’s little chance of recovering the money spent on
upkeep, and the NAR advises that an above-ground pool can actually reduce a home’s resale value. Many people don’t want pools because of the high upkeep. All homes can benefit from increased insulation and sealing, regardless of climate. Older homes are usually under-insulated compared to new homes. Adding more can help you realize a return on your investment, and beefing up the R-value (rating for insulation efficiency) in an attic or crawlspace helps cut energy use. Most homeowners can handle routine maintenance projects and cosmetic touchups, but it’s recommended they consult with qualified professionals for larger remodeling jobs and major changes to a home’s structure. After deciding on one or more projects, how can a homeowner get started? What to do first on a project can be daunting in itself, so
Available in various earth tones, insulated siding provides the strength and thermal benefit of rigid foam insulation with ease of maintenance. Photograph provided by CertainTeed Corp.
A home blanketed in insulated siding, one of the leading home improvements in terms of value and return, allows for a quieter and more comfortable interior with the look of authentic wood on the exterior. Photograph provided by CertainTeed Corp.
8
Rural Electric Nebraskan
the job is complete,â€? Weymouth advises. “Be careful of the contractor that wants money up front. Always make sure your agreement with the contractor is in writing,â€? he adds. “Everything should be written out and understood beforehand.â€? “It’s very important to always include a project completion date in your contract, and what happens if the project isn’t finished by that date,â€? Weymouth continues. “For example, include wording such as ‘contractor to pay owner x amount each day thereafter completion date if project is not completed.’â€? There’s a lot to be gained through home improvement, such as increased functionality, new appliances, efficient systems, updated dĂŠcor and additional living space. Following expert advice helps you realize the pure enjoyment of making a home really “your own.â€? Sources: National Association of Realtors, Cost v. Value, Home Improvement, HouseLogic.com
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what's the best solution to avoid confusion? Jerry Fedewa, president of The Greater Lansing (Michigan) Home Builders and Remodelers Association, suggests the priority should be to stick to the scope of work unless you become aware of additional items that make sense to complete at that time. “It's best to know exactly what you want done and to be able to communicate the scope of the project. If the builder or remodeler sees additional work that needs to be done they will suggest it.â€? Fedewa recommends contacting the local home builders and remodelers association for a list of licensed and insured contractors. “I would choose three contractors to visit your project,â€? he advises. The down economy offers homeowners many opportunities for savings, he relates. “Additions and remodels really did not slow nearly as much as home building has, so more homebuilders started taking on more additions and remodels. There may be a few more contractors chasing the same amount of work, so there is probably some savings there. Customer service has improved and project time has improved.â€? Asking contractors important questions makes all the difference, according to Roger Weymouth, broker/owner of Weymouth & Associates in Holt, MI, with 20 years of experience in the real estate industry. “Regarding the best questions to ask, I would say, ‘as many as you can think of,’â€? he says. For instance: • Are you licensed and insured? (Make a copy of the license and insurance) • Do you carry workman’s comp insurance? (Make a copy) • How long have you been in business? • Can you provide me a list of the last three projects you did with names and phone numbers of the people that hired you? • Is this your best price? “I personally prefer to pay when
Beware of exaggerated energy savings claims ave you heard the news? There are manufacturers of electrical saving devises out there that can save you up to 50 percent on your home’s power bill! Just hook the “Black Box” into your electrical service or plug them into a wall socket and start saving! Wow! Really? Hold on. Don’t call their toll-free phone number just yet. In the past few years, there has been a huge “surge” in scam “electricity saver” products. While some provide absolutely no benefit at all (and may actually consume energy themselves), most are simply power factor capacitors. To describe power factor and without getting too technical, sometimes more power goes into a device than you would expect, because of a special kind of inefficiency. The actual energy used by your device is measured in kilowatt hours, and that is what you are charged for. If your device uses only 80 percent of the power going into it, the power factor is 80 percent. The power factor is the real power (the amount your device actually uses) divided by the apparent power (the total going into it). With large commercial and industrial customers, this can create significant expenses in
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providing electrical service, so utilities often install expensive metering equipment to measure the difference and charge for it. However, since this difference creates such a small amount of cost in a household, residential electric meters only measure the real power used and not the apparent power.
and may claim to condition, filter or control an appliance motor to reduce energy consumption. Be aware that some of these devices could damage your appliances and may void the appliance warranty. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) recently tested one product claiming to provide 30 percent energy savings. EPRI found it saved 0.23 percent. At the University of Texas at Austin, the best researchers could get was a 0.06 percent reduction in electric use for an average home with the same product. As a final comment, consider that if these devices actually saved power, then major electrical goods outlets, electrical wholesalers and big department stores would be selling them. However, you can't buy one from any of the major retailers – anywhere. There must be a reason. The old adage of “If it sounds too good to be true ... ,” can be just as true with energy saving devices as other things. For unbiased information whether a product’s claims will truly save you energy, visit with your local electric utility or go to www.nppd.com/save-energy. Source: Nebraska Public Power District
“If it sounds too good to be true ...”
10
And even if electric utilities billed home users for bad power factor, modern appliances already have this kind of power-correction built in. Consumer Reports says the average American home already has a power factor of 90 percent, which would make the maximum savings close to only 10 percent (if the utility actually charged for the power factor penalty, which they do not). The electric utility industry often refers to these products as “Black Box Devices.” They include a range of products that tout some new proprietary technology to save energy. Often, these devices target motors
Rural Electric Nebraskan
Hunters urged to be cautious on rural roads he Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters to be cautious this fall when driving the state's rural roads. Before the crop harvest begins, tall corn may hamper visibility at intersections. Drivers should slow down at these intersections and take a second look before proceeding. Once the harvest begins, drivers can expect to encounter farm and ranch vehicles on these roads. Slow down when meeting these vehicles and, if necessary, move well to the right. Hunters also are reminded that it is unlawful to shoot from a public highway, road or bridge, including the traveled surface and right-ofway, whether on foot or from a vehicle. Also, landowner permission is required to hunt on private land.
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Cubbies Market delivers the goods Tom and Miki Loos bring a touch of Illinois to their business in Shickley, Neb.
by Wayne Price
unning their own business has been a dream come true for Tom and Miki Loos of Shickley. They opened a grocery store called Cubbies Market in December 2009. “We always wanted to run our own business,” Tom said. “It was the perfect opportunity.” The couple was living in Tom’s hometown of Quincy, Illinois when the chance to purchase the grocery store in south central Nebraska came about. Tom was managing grocery stores for Niemann Foods Inc., a career he had been working in since he completed a management program right out of high school. Miki grew up in Shickley and Tom and Miki Loos graduated from Market in 2009. the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree as a dietitian. She had been working in Illinois when they met. They bought the former Busse Food Center and were closed for a month while they went through a redesign of the store. They changed the layout of the grocery and added
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new coolers. The store provides local customers with just about everything they need, from fresh fruits and vegetables to canned and frozen goods and meat. “For a small town like Shickley, with a population of 350 people, everyone has been really supportive”, Tom said. “I think we have a unique situation here.” Small towns with a grocery store are not unheard of but they are becoming fewer over the years. Residents would have to drive 15 miles to Geneva, Neb. or 35 miles to Deshler, Neb. to buy groceries if they didn’t have Cubbies Market. Part of the redesign included renaming the grocery store. Tom wanted opened Cubbies people to know about his roots in Illinois and his strong affection for the Chicago Cubs and Bears teams. “Being from Illinois, that was the way I was raised,” he said. “I’ve always been a fan of the Cubs and Bears. I wanted to bring part of Illinois here.” Tom wears a shirt or baseball cap
with the Cubs logo on the job just about every day. There is even a photograph of the Wrigley Field scoreboard hanging above the front door. They currently have five full and part time employees and Tom is there nearly every day. Miki works at the Market part time but she is also a Registered Dietitian with Henderson Health Care in Henderson, Neb. Tom and Miki are also in the catering business and offer anything from BBQ to Prime Rib. They have catered events with a few people all the way up to 450. “We love to cater and we are a full service caterer,” Miki said. “We can do anything from small parties in
Rural Electric Nebraskan
Above: A menu board shows off the selections of the day. Left: The store is decorated with cedar paneling and antique grocery signs. Below: A photograph of the scoreboard at Wrigley Field in Chicago hangs over the front door. people’s homes to Seed Corn Platte Tours to formal weddings.” Tom and Miki started another venture earlier this year selling a
October 2012
mustard based on a recipe that’s been around for more than 80 years. They bought the recipe for Grandma Grace’s Old Style Mustard, which originated with Grace Bohlen, a Shickley resident. The mustard is a sweet and hot German Style gourmet mustard, more sweet than hot. “We recently were the Club of the Community Item at the new Sam's Club in Lincoln,” Miki said. “We sold over 900 jars in four days.” They make Grace’s Mustard at Cubbies Market. Miki noted that once people discover the true gourmet flavor of Grace's mustard they pair it with everything including brats, burgers, dogs, pork loin, ham and chicken. It works great as a dip too!
Tom and Miki live on a farm near Shickley with their son, Carson. They are customers of Perennial Public Power District.
13
Happy Birthday, Willie Wiredhand! by Magen Howard
“He’s small, but wirey.” Who? Willie. Willie Wiredhand. he beloved mascot of electric cooperatives turns 62 this October. It’s a fitting birth date — National Cooperative Month — for the stalwart yellow figure, who became the embodiment of the fighting cooperative spirit and the symbol of
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dependable, local, consumer-owned electricity all over the world. (In Latin America, for example, he is known as “Electro Pepe.”) Willie came to life in 1950, created by the late Andrew “Drew” McLay, a freelance artist working for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), in collaboration with then-RE Magazine editor William Roberts. “I had tossed out the idea that the symbol ought somehow to portray rural electric service as the farmer’s hired hand, which in those days was almost the entire public relations story we had to get across,” Roberts said years later. “Drew picked up both the ideas and a sketch-pad one night at our home after a couple of beers.” “Willie the Wired Hand” was born. He was a perky little guy with a push-button light socket for a head, black wire body, and an electrical plug for his lower torso and legs. He wore lineman’s gloves on the end of his wiry arms. His name was soon shortened to Willie Wiredhand, and in February 1951, he was adopted nationally as the animated public relations ambassador for electric cooperatives. Since then, Willie has appeared on scores of promotional items — signage for buildings and substations, T-shirts, ball caps, golf balls, Christmas ornaments, beach towels, fly swatters, aprons, night lights, marbles and other toys, and much more. But Willie had to fight for his right to stand for electric cooperatives. Brought against Mid-Carolina Electric Co-op and NRECA, the suit was filed July 14, 1953, in South
Rural Electric Nebraskan
Carolina’s federal district court. Willie was accused of infringing on Reddy’s registered trademarks and practicing unfair competition in the electric utility industry. Reddy and Co. asked for an injunction to bar the use of Willie in co-op advertising and repayment of all damages caused to Reddy Kilowatt’s owners. The lawsuit was waged over three years, running up legal fees and generating colorful rhetoric. “This is the most vicious thing that the rural electric systems have yet encountered,” declared NRECA general manager Clyde Ellis, tongue planted in cheek. In l957, Willie and electric cooperatives won the battle with Reddy Kilowatt, “spokescharacter” for the investor-owned power companies. Reddy’s lawyers argued that Willie would confuse the public because he so closely resembled Reddy. “Not so,” said a federal judge. But Reddy and his posse appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. They lost. Out of the victory, Willie Wiredhand came to symbolize more than cooperative friendliness — he was now the true embodiment of cooperative spunk, willing to stand up for consumers in the face of impossible odds against the entrenched might of huge investor-owned utilities. The phrase “He’s small, but wirey” became part of the trademark Willie was granted by the U.S. Patent Office in 1957. Willie’s role has continued to evolve over the decades. For example, when the 1970s ushered in an energy crisis, he donned a sweater and hopped on a bicycle, caulked windows, and weather stripped doors in new ads pushing energy conservation and efficiency tips. Later, he became more of a pop-art celebrity, appearing on novel-
October 2012
Above: An ad for the Willie lightbulbs by Sylvania, available in the three most popular sizes -- 75, 100 and 150 watt. Left: The Indiana State Fair’s Miss Rural Electrification 1957 turns on the accompanying mechanical Willie Wiredhand after her crowning. Opposite left: A Willie Wiredhand comic book from 1967. Photographs provided by Indiana Electric Consumer ty items like coffee mugs and watches. But no matter his persona, Willie Wiredhand has been a recognizable and dedicated friend to millions of electric cooperative consumers, faithful and enduring for decades. Happy birthday, Willie. Source: Indiana Electric Consumer
15
SAFETY BRIEFS
Take precautionary measures to avoid combine fire ry field conditions, ers ready on the combine or in high temperatures the pickup,” Morgan said. and windy conditions A dry chemical extinguisher may lead to an increased will exclude air from the flame, threat of field fires across but it doesn’t cool the source of most of the state. the fire, leaving hot, smolderDave Morgan, UNL farm ing chaff, crop residue and dirt safety specialist, recomthat could start another fire. A mends several steps producpressurized water extinguishers can take to lower the risk er, with a tablespoon of dish of field fires and the resultsoap added to improve spray, ing damage to combines and will cool and saturate the A common cause of combine fires is straw or chaff yield. These include: source. build-up during harvesting. Straw and other com• Keep equipment clean “A five-gallon air pressured bustible dust tends to accumulate in the machinery and in good repair. When water extinguisher would and can be ignited by a variety of ignition sources, done for the day, producers weigh about 40 pounds and especially in exceptionally dry weather. should take time to clean should be manageable. We recmachinery thoroughly with ommend keeping one in a nearrefill, being careful not to spill any an air compressor, power washer or by pickup and on the combine, if oil or fuel on the equipment. But even a broom to dislodge any crop possible,” Morgan said. don’t overfill fluid reservoirs. With residue or chaff from the combine. If a field fire starts, call 911 first high temperatures in the mid-80s, • Fix any fuel, hydraulic or oil and then try to extinguish it. Aim oil expands and may "burp" out the leaks. When it’s this windy, vegetathe extinguisher nozzle at the base vent, creating another fuel source tive matter breaks up into really of the fire, sweeping if from side to for fire. fine material that readily accumuside. • Carry at least one, preferably lates on oil and fuel leaks, Morgan Under these unusually dry conditwo, fully charged 10 pound ABC said. This creates a source of solid tions, even with a clean combine, fire extinguishers on all equipment. and liquid fuel. From there, it doesfires are going to occur and can (Be sure to have fire extinguishers n’t take much to start the fire -- a quickly get out of hand, Morgan inspected annually and refilled as dry bearing or a slipping belt can said. necessary.) quickly heat up or spark. Personal safety is always para“We recommend having a couple • Check fluid levels and carefully mount, Morgan reminded growers. extra air pressure water extinguish-
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Rural Electric Nebraskan
Fall turkey hunting permits available
Attention All Farm Wives, Country Gals, Agribusiness Women!
H
unters will have an extra month of fall turkey hunting opportunities this season. Permits are available at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission permitting offices and OutdoorNebraska.org. The fall season has been extended by a month, as the season now runs through Jan. 31, 2013. A fall turkey permit is valid statewide and allows a hunter to harvest two turkeys of either sex with a shotgun or archery equipment. Each hunter may have up to two permits. Turkey permits cost $24 for residents, $91 for nonresidents and $6 for resident or nonresident youth age 15 and younger. There is no minimum age requirement for youth. For more information about turkey hunting in Nebraska, read the 2012 Turkey Guide at OutdoorNebraska.org.
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AG-CEPTIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 at the Lifelong Learning Center Northeast Community College & #FOKBNJO "WF t /PSGPML /FCSBTLB Hosted by:
Cost: $35 (Advance registration is going on now!)
Full Schedule & Registration information is available at northeast.edu/Agceptional
Questions? (800) 348-9033, ext. 7180 or (402) 844-7180 northeast.edu/Agceptional
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CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS
Cool breeze, cooler electric bills by James Dulley
I thought about installing a Q :couple of ceiling fans to reduce my electric bills. I heard they can also save during winter. How do I correctly size, choose, and operate a ceiling fan? : Ceiling fans can cut your elec-
A tric bills year-round, but before
you run out and buy a few, it’s important to understand how they save energy. If you install a ceiling fan and don’t adjust your thermostat settings accordingly, you may be more comfortable, but it actually increases your summertime electric bills. The important thing to remember is that the fan itself does not cool air or things — fans cool people, so they should be turned off when the room is empty. During summer, ceiling fans cool the skin by creating a downward breeze, which should make you feel comfortable enough to turn up the air conditioner a few degrees. Look
at the pitch of the blades to determine which rotation direction makes the air blow downward. Setting the thermostat higher saves much more electricity than the ceiling fan consumes. In general, during summer, run the ceiling fan on medium or high speed to create the cooling effect. During winter, flip the small switch on the side of the ceiling fan housing to reverse the blade rotation. Run the fan on low speed so it creates a gentle upward breeze (away from people in the room), which will force the warm air — which naturally rises — back down where it’s needed. Then, you can set your furnace a few degrees lower and save energy there, too. Some new ceiling fans also have a built-in electric heater with a handheld remote thermostat/control. It functions the same way as a standard ceiling fan during summer. During winter, it automatically reverses rotation when it is
Right: Decorative ceiling fan with the blades extended above the attached light fixture. Left: The same ceiling fan with the fan blades retracted so it looks like just a light fixture. Photographs provided by Fanimation
18
switched to the heating mode. The heater allows you to take advantage of zone heating. The size of a ceiling fan is rated by the diameter of the blades. This is more important during summer when you want to feel the breeze on your skin. A common sizing rule of thumb is to use a 36-inch fan for rooms up to 150 square feet, a 48inch fan for up to 300 square feet, and a 52-inch fan for up to 450 square feet. For larger rooms, use two fans spaced about one-quarter of the way in from opposing walls. Price is often a good indication of the quality of a ceiling fan. Better ceiling fans typically have a greater pitch (twist) on the blades. This requires a more powerful motor, but it moves more air at a lower rotation speed. Lower speed results in less sound and less chance of annoying wobble. Some motors use more copper wire in the windings, up to several miles’ worth, so they have a higher price. A hand-held remote control is a convenient feature included with both inexpensive and pricier models. Natural wood blades are attractive, but inexpensive ones made of synthetic materials are generally well balanced. A rubber-mounted hub reduces noise and vibration. Even the best ceiling fans may require you to attach small balancing weights to stop wobble at high speed. The following companies offer ceiling fans: Broan, (800) 558-1711, www.broan.com; Casablanca Fans, (888) 227-2178, www.casablancafanco.com; Emerson Electric, (800) 2376511, www.emersonfans.com; Fanimation, (888) 567-2055, www.fanimation.com; and Reiker, (800) 283-7031, www.buyreiker.com.
Send inquiries to James Dulley, Rural Electric Nebraskan, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.
Rural Electric Nebraskan
Nebraska ___
Rural Radio Foundation
KRVN KNEB KTIC _________
Another way... to serve Nebraska agriculture!
The Nebraska Rural Radio Foundation wants your support as we continue our work sharing the story of agriculture by offering scholarships and grants!
Giving Opportunities include: Endowments Life Insurance Gifts Bequests
For more information call KRVN at 308-324-2391
www.nrrfoundation.com
October 2012
19
DOWN HOME
RECIPES
Chinese Chicken Salad Sandwich 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar 1/4 cup vegetable or peanut oil 1/4 cup roasted sesame seed oil 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, minced 4 teaspoons sugar 4 teaspoons dry mustard 2 pounds chicken breast, boned, skinned, steamed and cubed 1 large red onion (about 9 to 11 ounces), cut into narrow wedges 1 cup pea pods, fresh or thawed frozen, slivered 6 crusty round rolls, split, buttered Lettuce or watercress 4 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted Mix dressing of soy sauce, vinegar, oils, ginger, sugar and mustard. Add chicken, onions and pea pods. Toss well. Chill at least 4 hours to blend flavors. Fill each roll with lettuce and chicken salad. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve with crispy noodles, if desired. Makes 6 servings.
Recipe provided by the National Onion Association 20
Apricot Ham Balls
1 (1 lb. 14 oz.) can apricot halves 1 1/2 lb. ground ham 1 lb ground sausage 3 eggs 1 cup bread crumbs 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup vinegar 2 tablespoon flour 1 teaspoon prepared mustard 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Drain apricots; reserve 1 1/4 cup of syrup. Combine ham, sausage, eggs, bread crumbs, onion, salt, pepper and 3/4 cup syrup. Blend well. Form into balls approximately 2 inches in diameter. Place in muffin pans. Combine brown sugar, vinegar, flour, mustard, Worcestershire sauce & 1/2 cup apricot syrup in large bowl. Spoon some over each ham ball and bake for 30 minutes. Top each ham ball with an apricot half and spoon rest of glaze over each. Bake another 20 – 30 minutes. Spoon any remaining glaze over balls before serving. These may be frozen after the first 30 minutes of baking – before the apricot halves are added. I usually have an extra can of apricots on hand just in case I feel they are needed. Serves 12.
Emogene Burt, Gretna, Nebraska
Creamy Seasoned Noodles 1 (8 oz.) package wide egg noodles 1/4 cup margarine 1 envelope Good Seasons Italian 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Parsley Dressing mix (dry) 1/2 cup heavy cream or small can evaporated milk Cook noodles and drain. Add remaining ingredients and toss lightly. Sprinkle parsley on top.
Alice Evertson, Kimball, Nebraska
Cranberry Apple Crisp 5 medium tart apples, sliced 1 tablespoon flour 1 can (16 oz.) whole berry cranberry sauce Topping: 1/4 cup quick cooking oats 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup flour 2 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons wheat bran 2 tablespoon canola oil 2 tablespoon butter, melted 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
In a large bowl combine apples and flour; toss to coat. Stir in cranberry sauce. Transfer to a 13x9 inch pan, coated with cooking spray. In a small bowl mix topping ingredients. Sprinkle over apple mixture. Bake uncovered at 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes or until top is a golden brown. Serve with yogurt, whipped cream, or ice cream.
Phyllis Stepanek, St. Paul, Nebraska Rural Electric Nebraskan
Look for Adult Pen Pals next month ue to a low number of submissions sent in by readers for use in the October issue of the Rural Electric Nebraskan, no Adult Pen Pals submissions will be printed this month. Submissions sent for use in the October issue will appear in the November 2012 issue of the magazine instead. It is the policy of the Rural Electric Nebraskan to run Adult Pen Pal submissions only when at least six letters have been received by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association office in a given month. The Rural Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service is exclusively for member-readers ages 18 and over. Adult Pen Pal submissions can be sent to Rural Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service, P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.
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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 editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.
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To write To respond to one of the adult pen pal requests, write letter, place in envelope, seal and affix first class postage. Address to full, correct response #, c/o Rural Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service, P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501. Your letter will be forwarded unopened. Do not send money or additional postage; forwarding is prepaid. Enclose your full mailing address for return correspondence. Once again . . . it is very important that all responses carry the full response numberâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;both month and numberâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;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 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Christian; C/W â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Country-western; D â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Divorced; F â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Female; M â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Male; NS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Non-Smoker; ND â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Non-Drinker; R&R â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Rock and roll; S â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Single; W â&#x20AC;&#x201D; White; Wid â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Widowed
October 2012
REC
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MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS
CEO/General Manager KBR Rural Public Power District Ainsworth, Neb. Due to the pending retirement of its’ CEO/General Manager, the Board of Directors of KBR Rural Public Power District is seeking an experienced leader for his replacement. The Board seeks candidates with electric utility experience including such areas as finance, strategic planning, electric distribution operations, engineering, customer and employee communications, and Board relations. The successful candidate will be a proven leader with excellent people and communication skills with the ability to promote strong teamwork and long-term relationships with community organizations, our power supplier, state and federal legislators, associated state, regional, and national organizations, the employees, and the board. The candidate should also be familiar with the process of creating budgets and electric rates utilizing Microsoft Word and Excel. The new CEO should be able to begin work sometime in the spring of 2013 to provide some overlap with the current CEO who retires on May 31, 2013. KBR Rural Public Power District is headquartered in Ainsworth, with a population of 1,800, in the beautiful sandhills and Niobrara River valley of
north-central Nebraska. KBR serves approximately 4,600 meters located in 5,000 square miles of service territory, including eight small towns in Brown, Rock, Keya Paha, and Cherry counties. KBR has 18 dedicated employees with outposts in Springview and Valentine. KBR offers an excellent NRECA benefit package with an annual salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Interested applicants with any questions may contact the current CEO/General Manager Rich Walters, at richkbr@threeriver.net, or phone 402387-1120 or cell 402-760-1271. Application packages need to include a cover letter, resume, recent salary history, along with three business and three personal references, either delivered or mailed so it arrives at the KBR office in Ainsworth, no later than 12:00 p.m. on Monday, October 15, 2012. Interested applicants should mail or deliver their application to: Rich Walters KBR Rural Public Power District P.O. Box 187 374 North Pine Street Ainsworth, Nebraska 69210 Please mark your envelope/package “Job Application”
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All rights reserved. © 2012 firstSTREET®, Inc. For Boomers and Beyond®
ELECTRICITY HAS THE POWER TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER. THE SAME GOES FOR ELECTRIC CO-OPS. As consumer-owned electric co-ops, it’s in our best interest to work together. After all, we’re owned by the people we serve. So we want what everyone wants: affordable, reliable electricity. Tri-State generates and transmits electricity to our 44 member co-ops who, in turn, serve more than 1.5 million people across a 200,000 square-mile territory. And we do so with an eye on the future, managing resources and making decisions based on the highest value to families and businesses at the end of the line. After all, we were formed with that spirit of cooperation in mind.
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.