August Highline Notes 2020

HIGHLINE notes August 2020

PRESENTING SPONSOR 2020

DRIVE-IN MOVIE AT THE RRV FAIRGROUNDS Every Monday, Cass County Electric members receive half-price admission to the RRVF Movie by presenting their Co-op Connections app/card.

Meet the Candidates, page 4 2020 Annual Meeting Goes Virtual, page 5 Bump Up Your Curb Appeal, page 6

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August 2020 | Highline Notes 1

editorial 2020 Annual Meeting Goes Virtual Marshal Albright, President/CEO unwarranted, or inconvenient for members. Members will submit votes as absentee or electronic ballots, as approved by the Board, and a minimum of 75 member votes will determine a quorum for a valid virtual meeting.

For the first time in 82 years, Cass County Electric Cooperative will host a virtual Annual Meeting.

For the safety of our members, Board of Directors, and employees, the Board approved changing our traditional in-person Annual Meeting to a virtual meeting. The Board amended the bylaws to allow the Annual Meeting to be delayed beyond June 30 if holding the meeting might be unsafe,

The primary purpose of the Annual Meeting is to elect three directors for three-year terms. The virtual Annual Meeting will occur on Aug. 25. To participate in the Annual Meeting, members can go to our website at CassCountyElectric.com/ AM2020. The webpage includes: • Director candidate video bios in the contested district • Minutes from the 2019 Annual Meeting • Cooperative bylaw changes • Annual Meeting agenda • The following links will be available: - 2020 Annual Meeting video will be available at 4 PM on Tuesday, Aug. 25 - Board Chair report - President/CEO report

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

The virtual annual meeting of the members of Cass County Electric Cooperative Inc. will be available to view on Aug. 25, 2020, at 4 PM at CassCountyElectric.com/AM2020. Members will act upon the following matters: 1. Business meeting 2. The election of three directors Pursuant to the bylaws, the following members have filed petitions for a directorship of the Cooperative: District At-Large Marcy Svenningsen (I), Valley City District 4 Jeff Triebold (I), Fargo 2 Highline Notes | August 2020

- Audit/Financial report - Questions and answers will be posted on Aug. 26 The virtual meeting format not only provides a safe alternative to view the meeting, but it allows more members to vote for their directors.

All cooperative members have the opportunity to vote for directors either online or by mail-in absentee ballot. Every member will receive a letter or email with instructions on how to vote. Members can then vote online using a unique passcode and website link assigned to each member. For members who prefer to receive an absentee ballot via U.S. mail, please call 701356-4400 or 800-248-3292, or email ccec@kwh.com.

As a member-owned and governed cooperative, it is your right as a member to participate in the democratic election process to elect your directors. I encourage all members of the cooperative to vote for your Board of Directors.

District 5(2) Terry Kraft, West Fargo District 5(2) Bradley Maasjo, Fargo District 5(2) Tom Seymour (I), West Fargo Dated this 28th day of July 2020.

Glenn D. Mitzel, Secretary Program: Call to order and welcome Establish quorum Review bylaw updates Election of directors Adjournment

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Highline Notes

Content In Every Issue

10 11 12 13 14 15 Impact

Safety

Photo

Recipes

Ads

Tech

Board Meeting Highlights June The Cass County Electric Board of Directors met virtually via Microsoft Teams on June 29, 2020, and discussed the following topics: • Approved the June 2020 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes of the previous meeting, monthly department reports, director expense report, and the May Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA).

• President/CEO Marshal Albright gave the President’s Report noting the brief updates from NDAREC, Minnkota, Greater FM EDC, Valley Prosperity Partnership, and other meetings attended.

• President Albright reviewed plans for the 2020 virtual Annual Meeting on Aug. 25.

• Approved the remaining RUS Cushion of Credit funds to be applied against a construction work plan loan that carries a high-interest rate.

• Accepted the May 2020 financial report.

• Received updates from the Minnkota, Square Butte, and NDAREC board meetings.

• Received updates from the Operation Round Up program and the Business Account Executives.

• Approved the June 2020 capital credit estate payments.

• Approved an amendment to the bylaws to allow for the majority of the board to attend a meeting by video due to the board’s determination that an in-person meeting is unsafe and unwarranted under the present conditions.

• Approved the exception of an in-person meeting for March, April, May, and June 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

• The July board meeting will be in-person with social distancing, and directors may also attend the meeting by video.

• Approved President/CEO Albright to complete the 2020 RESCO Director Election ballot.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020.

At the June 2020 board meeting, the Board moved to approve revisions to the bylaws: Article III, Section 3.8 - Removal of Directors Section 3.8 A Director’s service on the board may be terminated prior to the expiration of the Director’s term as a consequence of any one or more of the following: Paragraph C: Board Removal. If a Director materially breaches any policy applicable to the Board, or is guilty of a serious dereliction of duty, becomes physically or mentally impaired in a manner that compromises the ability of the Director to carry out his or her duties and responsibilities as a Director, or is not physically present at the place of the regularly scheduled meeting more than three times during any calendar year, the Director may be removed by the Board, but only after notice and an opportunity to be heard. The requirement of Board Member physical presence is waived if a majority of the Board Members attend the meeting by video due to the Board’s determination that an in-person meeting is unsafe and unwarranted under the present conditions.

For more information on the bylaw changes, please visit our website at www.casscountyelectric.com/ legal-information.

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Volume 78, Number 8

Writer: Sara Erickson Designer: Jocelyn Hovland

Printer: Forum Communications Printing Board of Directors: Marcy Svenningsen, Chairman Jeff Triebold, Vice Chairman Glenn Mitzel, Secretary Sid Berg, Treasurer Douglas Anderson John Froelich Kalvin Hoff Wendy Loucks Thomas J. Seymour Executive Staff: Marshal Albright, President/ CEO Jodi Bullinger, VP of Engineering & Operations Paul Matthys, VP of Member & Energy Services Chad Sapa, VP of Corporate Services & CFO Tim Sanden, VP of Information Technology & CIO Highline Notes (USPS 244-740) is published monthly by Cass County Electric Cooperative Inc., 3312 42nd St. S., Suite 200, Fargo, ND 58104. Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, North Dakota 58104, and at additional mailing offices.

Subscription Rate: 28¢/month.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Highline Notes 3312 42nd St. S., Suite 200 Fargo, ND 58104 © Copyright Cass County Electric Cooperative 2020. All rights reserved.

Questions: 701-356-4400 800-248-3292 info@kwh.com Call before you dig: 800-795-0555 or 811 Information about the cooperative, articles of incorporation, bylaws, and more can be found at CassCountyElectric.com.

August 2020 | Highline Notes 3

Meet the 2020 DIRECTOR CANDIDATES Members of the Cass County Electric Cooperative Board of Directors are elected to three-year terms every spring. Directors must be members of the cooperative and be a bona fide resident of the director district in which they are seeking directorship. That means you, as a member, can have a say in Cass County Electric operations by voting for your directors. Democratic member control is one of the principles that sets cooperatives apart from other types of businesses and utilities.

Jeff Triebold (I) District 4

Marcy Svenningsen (I)

Terry Kraft

Brad Maasjo

Tom Seymour (I)

I believe that it is important to be an active participant in my community, not only in my occupations but using my abilities to serve others. My rural background and experience in business give me a unique perspective that allows me to represent all the members of the cooperative proactively and fairly.

I am committed to dedicating the time necessary to be informed and educated about the issues facing the cooperative. I have appreciated the opportunity to serve as a director, and humbly ask the members to allow me to continue to do so in the future.

I have always had an interest in electrical power generation and distribution, and the impact it has on society. Service levels provided by Cass County Electric Cooperative (some of the best in the country) impact all of us daily and should never be taken for granted. Serving as a Cass County Electric director would allow me to utilize my past management and operational experience to help support the cooperative’s mission and future initiatives for growth.

I look forward as a volunteer to serve the community.

I grew up on a farm 10 miles south of Valley City, where I watched my dad and grandfather set an example of public service cooperatives I hold today. I attended NDSU, received a commission, and served 27 years in the U.S Air Force.

After the Air Force, I joined the VA Medical Center in Fargo as an Information Technology Specialist.

In the military, I had the privilege to command a squadron, group and wing level, where I was fortunate to work with great people. I received excellent executivelevel training on developing new missions, core values, and measurable objectives. I know with my background, I could serve the board well, bringing fresh perspectives and unique experiences.

My experiences as a North Dakota state senator, city alderman, SRT cooperative director and technology professor have helped me be an appropriate leader during my first three years on the board. Immediately, I obtained the Credentialed Cooperative Director designation and have shown leadership and electrical industry knowledge at our Cass County Electric Cooperative board meetings.

Our outstanding leadership and employees have been the key to our cooperative’s success.

I promote our mission statement to serve our members’ energy needs with affordable and reliable electricity.

Do review my website, www.tomseymour66. com, to view my qualifications.

District 5(2)

District 5(2)

District 5(2)

At-Large

As a kid, I grew up on a farm that was served by Cass County Electric Cooperative.

Later in life, I moved into Cass County Electric’s service territory because I knew I wanted to serve the members and the cooperative.

I believe my past and present work experience will provide valuable input for the cooperative and its members. I want to keep Cass County Electric progressively moving forward, so all members are proud. I will continue to work with fellow directors to keep your cooperative financially healthy, retain the cooperative’s reliability and ensure topics like affordable rates are at the forefront of the conversation. Thank you for your trust.

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NOTICE ANNUAL MEETING

Tuesday, August 25 @ 4:00 PM

www.CassCountyElectric.com/AM2020 - VOTING INFORMATION The virtual meeting format not only provides a safe alternative to view the meeting, but it allows more members to vote for their directors.

All cooperative members have the opportunity to vote for directors either online or by mail-in ballot.

Online voting for the Director Election is open Aug. 3, 2020, through Aug. 18, 2020, at 11:59 PM. Survey and Ballot Systems (SBS) will manage the online election. SBS safeguards the confidentiality of the voting process and the accurate tallying of votes.

If you have a CCEC login (SmartHub), you will receive an email on Aug. 3, 2020, with your unique online voting credentials.

If you do NOT have a CCEC login, a letter will be sent via U.S. Postal Service on Aug. 3, 2020, with unique online voting instructions.

If you prefer to receive an absentee ballot via U.S. mail, please call 701-356-4400 or 800-248-3292, or email to ccec@kwh.com.

- QUESTIONS Submit your questions on the form at the web address above to have them answered!

- PRIZES! VOTE & WATCH for a chance to win a Staycation Package. Staycation includes: 2 Room suite @ Fargo Delta by Marriott, $100 Urban 42, $50 Blaze Pizza, $200 West Acres, and $50 to the Red River Zoo. Winners will be announced the day after the meeting.

- ANNUAL MEETING BUSINESS AGENDA • Call to Order • • Establish Quorum • • Review Bylaw Revisions • • Election of Directors • • Adjournment • - LEARN MORE Leading up to the Annual Meeting, you can view addresses from our Board Chair, and our President/CEO, as well as the 2019 Audit report. Also available are video biographies from the District 5(2) candidates.

Quick links to the annual report, bylaw updates, and other noteworthy information is currently available for you to view at www.CassCountyElectric.com/AM2020.

CassCountyElectric.com

August 2020 | Highline Notes 5

Bump Up Your Curb Appeal!

Landscaping Q&A with NDSU Extension August is a great time to get a little dirt under one’s fingernails. It may even improve the value of your home. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 99% of their members believe curb appeal is important to attracting a buyer. Don Kinzler, a lifelong gardener and NDSU Extension horticulturist for Cass County, answered some of our burning landscape questions. And while some landscaping projects may improve your home’s curb appeal to others, Kinzler says it’s important that we enjoy them as well. “Locate a bench among the landscape plantings, and make it a priority to sit frequently, reflecting on the beauty of our surroundings,” he added.

What is your landscape philosophy? • Creating a front entry focal point, as previously described, will improve Any effective residential landscape any landscape, even if nothing else should complement the home is accomplished. itself. The trees, shrubs, lawn and all • Trim overgrown shrubs. Deciduous plantings should make it appear as (leafy) types can be rejuvenated though the dwelling is part of the beautifully by pruning to within natural surroundings. The lawn is 6 inches of ground level in April. simply the canvas upon which the Shrubs still in pleasant condition rest of the landscape is featured. can be pruned lightly to maintain shape and size. Selectively What is the single most impactful shortening branches gives a way to improve any landscape? natural appearance, usually And how is that best done? preferred over tightly shearing Creating a focal point at the home’s shrubs. front entry is the key to making the • Crisp, neat edges give a wellentire landscape appear pleasing.

The focal point is where the eye is led manicured appearance to the entire setting. String trimmers when viewing the landscape from are effective for removing ragged the street. The eye should naturally grass growth along landscape be led to the front entry, which edging. Occasionally using a spade creates a welcoming tone to the to remove grass that’s creeping entire landscape. inward will maintain the neatness of landscape beds.

A front entry focal point can be • Gentle curves are naturally pleasing. created by grouping flowering If landscape plantings currently containers near the front steps, by have rectangular lines, establish planting flowering shrubs as an gently sweeping curves, remove eye-catching feature, or by grouping sod, and re-establish the edge. shrubs in a curving line that guides • Many shrub plantings were the eye toward the front door. installed overly close to the house foundations. As shrubs outgrow Share your top five tips to improve and lean over the landscape the appearance of any home edging, remove the edging, cut landscape.

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out sod and move edging outward, creating a new, wider landscape bed that appears less crowded.

Flowers, shrubs, or trees?

Perennials or annuals? Where do I even start?

Begin by planting trees, as they take longest to grow. Then concentrate on creating a landscape focal point at the front entry. Next create shrub plantings around the foundation and yard perimeters. Plant perennials as time and budget allow – many ake three years to reach full blooming stage. Use annual flowers immediately and frequently during the early years of a landscape. They provide quick color and beauty while long-term trees, shrubs and perennials are being established.

What common mistakes do homeowners make when tackling a landscaping project?

The most commonly encountered mistake is establishing landscape beds too close to the house foundation. Plants look so small when young, but invariably in 10 to 20 years the planting looks crowded tightly against the home. Starting with a planting bed that extends 10 feet from the house foundation

might seem wide, but trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

A second mistake is planting frontyard trees, especially low-headed types, squarely in front of the house.

They quickly block our view of your home. With all good residential landscapes, the home should be featured, visible and welcoming, not hidden behind a tree.

My landscaping budget is small.

What low-cost landscaping improvements can I make?

Concentrate on the front entry focal point. Annual flowers are relatively inexpensive, and when planted in containers of varying heights, create a cost-effective, welcoming landscape highpoint near your front door. Work your way outward from there, adding shrubs, if needed, along the house foundation. Delay installing expensive edging, if necessary, and buy plants first.

Edging can be added in the future, so get plants growing, as budget allows.

For planting success, where can I find information on what to plant where I live?

Because winter hardiness varies greatly between geographic regions, it’s important to choose plant types wisely. Each state’s landgrant university, or NDSU Extension in North Dakota, has information about plant material adapted to each state’s climate. Locally owned garden centers are also great resources, because they tend to stock plants well-adapted to their locale. National chain stores might stock material not necessarily bestsuited to specific regions.

We spend a lot of time at the lake during the summer, so we have landscaping upkeep on two

properties during the growing season. Any low-maintenance landscaping recommendations?

To keep maintenance low, use wood-product mulches, such as shredded bark. They are plantfriendly and can greatly reduce weeding, while conserving moisture.

Select shrubs that were developed with neat habits requiring less pruning. Although landscapes can be low maintenance, none are no-maintenance, and yardwork is pleasant for many of us, if kept manageable. Weed control is a major factor, and other than mulches, there are unfortunately no magical sprays that solve all of our weed problems.

use added nutrition as it prepares a deep root system and stores energy for winter survival and next spring’s growth, so fertilize around Labor Day and again come Memorial Day. During the summer, mow at a 3-inch height, which conserves moisture, competes better with weeds and encourages deeper rooting. Low mowing adversely affects long-term lawn health.

When sprinkling, water deeply and less frequently, to encourage a deep root system. Apply 1 inch of water once per week, in one application.

Frequent, light sprinklings cause shallow roots.

I’m looking for some small-space landscaping ideas. Help!

Many new shrubs and small-scale Thinking about timelines, what trees have been developed for landscaping tasks can I be doing small-space yards. Shop locally in June? At the end of summer? owned garden centers for plant Fall? And looking toward next spring, what landscaping activities material that is narrow, or columnar, giving height without requiring a should we plan for? wide space. Select neat-growing, Planting trees, shrubs and perennials is very successful in June. mound-shaped shrubs. Use trellises Mid-summer is the time to enjoy our and arbors to give vertical growing space for vines, creating both landscapes and rest from activities greenery and privacy. Perennial and other than weeding. Fertilize lawns annual flowers give high impact in around Labor Day. Controlling small space landscapes. perennial weeds with herbicide is most effective in September. Fall pruning isn’t recommended, so wait For more information: • Visit NDSU Extension’s lawn until next spring for major shrub and garden site at https://www. pruning and rejuvenation. ag.ndsu.edu/extension/lawns_ gardens_trees.

Sometimes, an ugly lawn can ruin • Contact Don Kinzler, NDSU the appearance of an otherwise Extension Agent and Cass attractive and manicured County Horticulturist, at donald. landscape. What lawncare tips can kinzler@ndsu.edu. you share?

• Browse Don’s blogsite, Lawn seeding, or repairing bare categorized by topic, at https:// spots, can be accomplished in June, growingtogetherwithdonkinzler. if the topsoil is kept continually darkwordpress.com/. moist until grass is visibly growing.

Early September is also great for This story originally appeared in the seeding lawns. September is the June 2020 issue of North Dakota time when grass is most able to Living.

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August 2020 | Highline Notes 7

- 2020 Scholarships -

Jaycee Rudolph Barnes County North

Christian Lietz Central Cass

Zane Gruba Enderlin

Tyler Grensteiner Fargo - Davies

Mackenzie Kirkpatrick Fargo - North

Anna Seefeldt Fargo - Shanley

Geoffrey Youngs Fargo - South

Brock Roesler Kindred

Colton Bergemann Lisbon

Ty Alber Litchville-Marion

Jacob Schnase Maple Valley

Sabrina Matejcek Northern Cass

Makenna Satrom Hope-Page

Hanna Johnson Richland #44

Heather Fischer Valley City

Johanna Loiseau West Fargo Sheyenne

Abby Klaman West Fargo

Cass County Electric Cooperative, with matching grant money from CoBank, contributes $17,000 in scholarships through North Dakota Dollars for Scholars and the West Fargo Area Scholarship Fund. We give to these programs each year as encouragement for high school students to continue their education. Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients.

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energy

Tips for Maintaining an Efficient HVAC System Ah, summer. Cookouts, swimming pools, camping––it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. And when it’s time to come back indoors, there’s nothing better than that cool blast you feel from your home’s air conditioning unit.

Your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential to keeping your home comfortable during the summer months, and if it breaks down, it can also be the most expensive equipment to repair or replace. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to lengthen the life of your HVAC system.

Change or clean filters. Dirty filters block airflow, which can greatly decrease the efficiency of your system. The Department of Energy recommends changing or cleaning filters every month or two. If you have a 4-inch filter, the recommendation is to change them quarterly or biannually. If your unit is in constant use or is subjected to dusty conditions or pet hair, consider checking filters more frequently.

Clean the HVAC unit. Outdoor condenser coils can become clogged with pollen, dirt and small debris. Use a hose to spray the HVAC unit once each season to ensure maximum airflow. (Warning: Do not use a pressure washer to do this, as it can damage the equipment.)

Clear space around the HVAC unit. Dryer vents, falling leaves and grass left behind from the lawnmower can create buildup. Remove any debris around the HVAC unit. If you have foliage near the unit, trim it back at least 2 feet around the condenser to increase airflow.

You should also have your HVAC system periodically inspected by a licensed professional. The frequency of inspections depends on the age of your unit, but the Department of Energy recommends scheduling tune-ups during the spring and fall, when contractors aren’t as busy.

When HVAC equipment fails, it’s inconvenient and uncomfortable––especially during the dog days of summer.

Remember, your HVAC system runs best when it’s regularly cleaned and serviced. With a little maintenance along the way, you can add years to your system’s lifespan.

CassCountyElectric.com

August 2020 | Highline Notes 9

impact Commitment to Community

Our community is more than the streets we walk, the houses we call home, and the stores we love to shop.

Community reflects the people who live here. And it’s those people, our members, who drive us to find new ways to serve the communities that built us.

Cass County Electric Cooperative is a member of the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC), a nonprofit finance and development entity. RDFC makes funds available to increase awareness of its more extensive loan program that funds community-based projects and nonprofit entities

with low-interest loans.

In 2020, we granted $2,000 to Barnes County Wildlife Foundation (BCWF) to go toward the construction of a new picnic shelter southeast of Valley City at Moon Lake.

additions throughout the county, BCWF helps thousands of people each year get more enjoyment out of hunting, fishing, camping, and other recreational activities.

The shelter building is on hold with the current pandemic situation. Valley City high school students are helping to build the structure as part of a class project.

The communities in our service territory are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $2,000 for community-based projects. We encourage economic diversification and community vitality through participation in the program and the generation of funding that supports sustainable asset building. To view more information visit CassCountyElectric.com/ RDFC-grant.

BCWF is an organization devoted to promoting and preserving outdoor opportunities for the people of Barnes County. Through habitat programs, access projects, and beneficial

“It’s huge for the members of Cass County Electric. A lot of local families use the area, so this project makes it a great spot for families to have a picnic. You can set up and grill out, and when bad weather comes, you’re under a shelter.” – Perry Kapaun

10 Highline Notes | August 2020 CassCountyElectric.com

s

t Frayed or damaged extension cords are dangerous and should never be used. Damage to the cord can expose wires and cause fire and shock hazards.

safety

Four Common Culprits of Electrical Fires Summer is the perfect time to evaluate the safety of your home’s electrical system.

Outdated wiring and overloaded circuits are the most common causes of electrical fires.

Check the following areas of your home to ensure your home’s electrical safety is up to par.

1. Electrical outlets: Faulty electrical outlets are a leading cause of home fires. As outlets age, so do the wires behind them that you can’t see. Any loose, damaged or warm-to-the-touch outlets should be repaired or replaced.

2. Electrical wiring: Outdated wiring is another common cause of electrical fires. Frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights and burning smells are clear warning signs. If your home is more than 20 years old, it may not be able to handle today’s increased power load. If you suspect your home’s wiring is outdated, leave this one to the pros and contact a qualified electrician.

3. Overloaded cords and outlets: Extension cords are not permanent solutions. If your big-screen TV, home theater system and other electronics are plugged into one extension cord, it’s time to call an electrician and install additional outlets.

4. Old appliances: Older appliances are more likely to have loose or damaged wiring, which means they’re more likely to catch fire. Check older appliances for damage and determine if it’s time to upgrade or replace. Also check to ensure you’re using appliance-grade outlets. A qualified electrician can help with installation.

CassCountyElectric.com

August 2020 | Highline Notes 11

photo ND Through Your Eyes

We look forward to publishing member photos that encompass anything North Dakota. Upload your image to CassCountyElectric.com/photo to have your image considered for the magazine.

Kris Suko Mikkelsen, Fargo

- 2020 Member Calendar Photo Contest -

We invite our members to share their most beautiful, engaging, and fun photos for the chance to appear in our 2021 calendar! Calendars will be mailed out in place of our December issue of Highline Notes.

Submissions are accepted until Oct. 12, 2020.

Visit CassCountyElectric.com/PhotoContest to enter your photos and review the guidelines.

12 Highline Notes | August 2020 CassCountyElectric.com

o

Heavenly Halibut, Loock Kouba Ingredients

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated ¼ cup butter, softened 3 Tablespoons mayonnaise 2 Tablespoons lemon juice 3 Tablespoons green onions, chopped ¼ teaspoon salt 1 dash hot pepper sauce 2 pounds halibut fillets, skinless

food

Recipes From Your Kitchen Email to ccec@kwh.com or mail to: Cass County Electric; Highline Notes, 4100 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58104

Preparation

Preheat the oven broiler and grease a baking dish. In a bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise, lemon juice, green onions, salt, and hot pepper sauce. Arrange the halibut filets in the prepared baking dish. Broil halibut filets 8 minutes in the oven, or until easily flaked with a fork. Spread the Parmesan cheese mixture on top of filets, and continue broiling 2 minutes, or until topping is bubbly and lightly browned.

Corn Chip Bars, Mitzi Hager Ingredients

1 bag corn chips, crushed 6 oz. milk chocolate chips 1 ½ cup corn syrup 1 ½ cup white sugar 1 ½ cup peanut butter

Preparation

Four Cheese Garlic Spaghetti Squash, Samantha Yarbrough Ingredients

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter 4 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup all-purpose flour 1 ½ cup 2% milk, or more, as needed ½ cup half and half ½ teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon dried oregano 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ¼ cup shredded fontina cheese ¼ cup shredded gruyere cheese ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 2 Tablespoons fresh chives, chopped 1 (2-3 lbs.) spaghetti squash 2 Tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375° F. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Cut the squash in half lengthwise from stem to tail and scrape out the seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Place squash, cut-side down, onto the prepared baking dish.

Place into oven and roast until tender, about 35-45 minutes.

Remove from oven and let rest until cool enough to handle.

Using a fork, scrape the flesh to create long strands. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook, frequently stirring, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, half and half, thyme and oregano. Cook, constantly whisking, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in cheeses until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in spaghetti squash until well combined. Serve immediately, garnished with chives.

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Spread crushed bag of corn chips on the bottom of 9x13 pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips over corn chips, reserving a small handful. In a large saucepan, melt and bring to a boil, corn syrup, and sugar. Add peanut butter and stir until creamy.

Pour over chocolate chips.

Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top. Cool in refrigerator.

Candy Bar Apple Salad, Nitasha Asplin Ingredients

1 ½ cups cold 2% milk 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed 4 large apples, chopped (about 6 cups) 4 Snickers candy bars (1.86 ounces each), cut into 1/2” pieces

Preparation

In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand until softset, about 2 minutes. Fold in whipped topping. Fold in apples and candy bars.

Refrigerate until serving.

August 2020 | Highline Notes 13

- AT TENTIO N -

August is the last month with ads. We have an abundance of valuable content we want to share with our members (content they are asking for). It was a tough decision, but we feel that with the lower than average ad submissions, it was time to discontinue that section to improve the value of our magazine.

For sale: Heavy duty elec. cement mixer on wheels. 701-277-3010 Apt. size piano, good cond., $400/ OBO. Metal fence posts & orange snow fence $50/OBO. LP grill decent cond., $100/OBO. Older sports card sets. 701-373-9779 Grey 7’ couch w/recliners on ends, $100, matching 6’ recliner love seat, $100. Dining room table, 1 leaf w/4 suede seat chairs, $80. Glass-top patio table, 4 stackable chairs, $45. 701-2815248 Steffes storage heater, 3600W, 240V, $300. 701-277-1009 Pet safe wireless boundary keeps pet in yard, like new, bought on Amazon, $125. 701-235-6222 Vintage Browning Explorer II Recurve Bow - 62”, 50#, like new, $100/OBO. 701-281-8882 8” & 10” hyd. cyl., 12-volt elec. overhyd. pump, concord 10” sweeps, 4” twist shanks, 10” sweeps, anhydrous knives, 5-bolt wheel & tire, hyd. drill fill, hand miter saw, shop vac, fenders for Farmall H, make offer. 701-730-3638 265/70R17 take off tires 50% no holes/ patches, (3) Hwy, (2) all season, $15/ea.

Antique wood baby crib on casters $30. 701-730-4080 2 qt. antique sausage stuffer, copper spout, exc. cond., Enterprise MFC, #2017 on handle, $100. 701-282-2569 14’ Lund boat w/15hp Evinrude, good cond., 7’ cupula, good cond. 701-3207709 1974 Evinrude 6hp outboard motor, std shaft, runs well, needs propeller shaft seal, $200. 701-282-0827 100 Ho size ambulances from Hot wheels, Matchbox, Johnny Lightning,

Racing champs & others, $125. 701799-7960 Toro 6.5 HP (212cc) variable speed self propelled walk behind 22” mower, rear bag, mulch/side discharge, low hrs, $125/OBO. Toro 28.5cc gas string trimmer & blade brush cutting, comm. grade engine, low hrs, $90/ OBO. 701-361-8229 14’ Lund boat & trailer, 25 hp Johnson, great cond., new bench seats & gas tank, $1,800. 701-540-7929 1989 Kawasaki Voyager Xll touring cycle, 36.9k mi, loaded $875. New Craftsman 42” 2-stage lawn tractor snowblower attach, PN 24837, $250.

Craftsman walk-behind snowblower, 28”, 9hp, 6-speed, elec. start, $175. 6 bundles interlock shingles, white, $20.

100 various sized wooden pallets, wire spool ends, 2 power poles, free . 701789-0111 Smith&Wesson 44 mag., 629 Classic $625; Taurus 45-410 Judge Ultra Lite $425; Beretta 12GA Silver Mallard semi-auto shotgun, ammo avail. $475.

Colfax, ND 662-386-3286 2 library chairs, orig. oak finish, heavy, has bottom wrack, ~75 yrs, no cushions, modern, both $40/OBO. 4 replacement metal chrome wheel covers, $20. New right front passenger side panel for a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire.

Aqua blue. BO. 701-277-1464 Wheat straw bales, avail Aug. $2.50ea in field, $3 in storage. Terry 701-3714710 Thomasville Hutch, Mac Pro Roller tool cabinet, misc tools, entmt center, antique couch, wine making kit w/ accs., Akai x-1800sd tape recorder reel to reel & cartridge, dining table w/6 chairs, 4-person hot tub. Lve msg. 701367-0115 or 701-388-0269 2009 Holiday Rambler Scepter RV,

14 Highline Notes | August 2020 CassCountyElectric.com

ads

42PDQ, 97,157 mi, Cummings diesel, 430 HP, Allison trans., 4 slides, new tires, filters & awnings, washer/dryer, full-size fridge, GPS & audio system, fully loaded, $139,999. 701-741-6234

Baldwin Acrosonic piano, walnut, bench, 59 x 36 high, $200; Remington .22 Speedmaster Model 552 semi-auto $150; 1993 Toolbox F-150, lock & key, 69.5 L (63 within box), 16.5 H, 20.5 W $50. 701-237-0393 1956 720 JD Toy Tractor in box, $50.

Deluxe Fresh Flow Pet Water Dish can be filtered, new filter $15. 6 cube wire system 2 sets $15. Samsung 14,700 BTU window air cond., $150. 701-7996661 Indian Chieftain 2014 red motorcycle, 18k mi, well maintained. 701-866-9707 2002 HD V-Rod, 63K mi, $4,500; scrapbooking supplies; antique potbelly stove; garden pond; old upright piano. 701-361-4183 Golf pull carts & clubs. Great Big Bertha driver. Great Big Bertha II driver. Big Bertha 4 iron. Set of Ping Eye clubs – collector item! SS Mashie – collector item! Golf pull cart – qty 2.

Misc. cart parts. 701.799.4677 Free: Retired teacher, passing on books, curriculum all ages, 6 lg boxes. 701630-0585 Wanted: Tractor – Deutz Allis 54 hp diesel, loader w/snow bucket & 3 pt weight box, tire chains, 6’ finish mower. 701400-1010 Antique gasoline powered stationary engine. Prefer JD hit-miss. 701-2400488

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tech

A Supercomputer That Waters the Lawn Watering the lawn and garden are thankless chores, and tend to be especially wasteful if done with a hose in one hand and an ice-cold lemonade in the other. One way to start saving money is to invest in a smart irrigation system to conserve water and promote a healthy lawn and landscape. Josh Sween, the owner of the family-owned and operated GreenEarth Landscaping out of Kindred, North Dakota, has much praise for smart sprinkler controllers. Here are four benefits for homeowners installing a smart sprinkler system.

Auto scheduling • All you need is a smartphone.

You can control your sprinklers and be anywhere in the world as long as the smart system’s sprinkler controller has communications through Wi-Fi. • You can set up schedules, see a watering calendar, and turn your sprinklers on or off with the tap of a button.

• It customizes each zone based on the types of soil, slope, nozzle type, and amount of sun

to minimize runoff and make every drop of water count, so you can fine-tune parts of your landscaping that need extra attention.

The weather awareness setting will automatically shut off your sprinkler system due to rain or adjust for longer running times on particularly hot summer days - saving you time and money!

• Sween says another remarkable advantage of utilizing a smart sprinkler clock is that most are calibrated by the government and monitor the weather for you by communicating with the nearest airport, so they’ll automatically be on top of the forecast.

Easy setup • You no longer have to worry about fiddling with complicated menus, dealing with instruction manuals, or twisting dials to figure out how to set or adjust your sprinkler timers. All you need to do is download the app and let the software work its magic on your lawn.

• Sween has set up multiple Water savings smart sprinkler clocks in the • The idea of water conservation Cass County Electric service is at the top of the mind for territory and says it’s a simple, many homeowners. When quick, and easy process – your sprinklers are correctly especially if you already have a installed and maintained by sprinkler system setup. a professional, they conserve water, which will reflect on your Weather awareness utility bills.

• One perk owners love about • Smart sprinklers systems cost using the app is the weather anywhere from $300-500, but awareness setting. Gone are they’re likely to pay you back the days of forgetting to turn over the course of the next off your sprinkler and trudge couple of summers. through the elements to do so.

CassCountyElectric.com

August 2020 | Highline Notes 15

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