February Highline Notes 2020

HIGHLINE notes February 2020

Grand Ideas in the Midwest, page 4 Tribute to Verna Lynn Herker, page 6 Power Control Technician, Neil Niskanen, has worked in our Power Control Center for 25 years, and has experienced a immense shift in how power is restored. Read more about our outage restoration process on page 9.

CassCountyElectric.com

February 2020 | Highline Notes 1

editorial Partnering for a Better Economy

Marshal Albright, President/CEO

John Deere Electronic Solutions are some examples of primary sector businesses located in our service territory.

Another organization that I have the privilege of serving on is the Valley Prosperity Partnership and currently serve as the Co-Chair. The Valley Prosperity Partnership (VPP) is an initiative led by the private sector, joined by higher education and economic development partners. The VPP efforts are focused on developing a shared vision and action plan for high value and sustained economic growth for the Red River Valley.

At Cass County Electric Focus areas for the VPP are: Cooperative, we are driving • Water security–specifically economic growth and prosperity in bringing an affordable, in the communities we serve. We secondary water supply to the understand that partnerships with Red River and Sheyenne Valley key stakeholders are crucial for from the Missouri River success. For more than 25 years, • Workforce development–attract, Cass County Electric Cooperative develop, and retain talent has played a vital role in supporting • Legislation–supporting economic development and will expanding research for the continue in the future.

State’s Universities to diversify North Dakota’s economy As CEO of Cass County Electric, one of my job duties is to participate Cass County Electric Cooperative in and support organizations that provides electric service to more strengthen the local economy. than 5,000 business accounts. We Currently, I serve on the board of support Chambers of Commerce directors for the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development throughout our service territory fostering business sustainability Corporation (GFMEDC). The and growth. The GFMEDC and GFMEDC supports primary sector company growth and job creation. the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber partnered to develop Primary sector companies can be located anywhere and can sell their an initiative called “Fueling Our Future.” This initiative focuses its goods and services worldwide. efforts on three pillars: Microsoft, Bobcat, Trail King, and • People–supporting regional 2 Highline Notes | February 2020

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career workforce academy for high school students • Place–supporting a regional business accelerator • Prosperity–creating of shovel ready sites for expansion and attract of companies Another organization we support in regards to economic development is Emerging Prairie.

Emerging Prairie is an organization focusing on the connection and celebration of the entrepreneurial ecosystem through innovative programming and events that move the needle and ignite economic growth for the State of North Dakota. One example of Emerging Prairie’s impact on our community is Grand Farm. Led

by Emerging Prairie, Grand Farm aims to capitalize on the region’s potential in the agriculture and technology industries. The end goal of Grand Farm is to create the farm of the future–impacting the Fargo-Moorhead Community (and beyond) by developing new opportunities and accelerating change. For more information on Grand Farm, please refer to page 4 and 5 of this issue.

The board of directors and management of Cass County Electric Cooperative are committed to supporting economic development. By partnering with others, we are building a stronger economy for our region and the consumer-members of the Cooperative.

l

Highline Notes

Content In Every Issue

2 10 12 13 14 15

Editorial

Photo

Recipes

Board Meeting Highlights December The Cass County Electric Board of Directors met on December 20, 2019 and discussed the following topics: • Received proposed 2020 budget presentations from management staff. After questions and discussions approved the 2020-2021 proposed budget.

• Approved the December 2019 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of: minutes of the previous meeting, monthly department reports, board compensation schedule, and the November Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA).

• President/CEO Marshal Albright gave the President’s Report, reporting on: Greater FM EDC and Valley Prosperity Partnership meeting updates, noted the impact that Craig Whitney had during his tenure as President/CEO of The Chamber, and an update on the business process improvement.

• Accepted the November 2019 financial report.

• Moved to approve revisions to Policy 227 - Capitalization.

• Received board reports from Minnkota Power Cooperative, Square Butte Electric Cooperative, and NDAREC Resolutions Committee.

• Approved the December 2019 estate capital credit payments.

• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

• Moved to reward the employees with an additional eight hours of personal time to be used in 2020.

The January board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2020.

Safety

Ads

Events

GIVING HEARTS DAY FEBRUARY 13 Giving Hearts Day is a 24-hour fundraising event for charities in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.

Cass County Electric will be donating nearly $5,000 to local organizations on Giving Hearts Day! Join us in scheduling your donation in advance at givingheartsday.org.

Together we are becoming the most generous region on the planet.

Volume 78, Number 2

Writer: Sara Erickson Designer: Jocelyn Hovland Editor: Steve Sjoberg

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

givingheartsday.org

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Information about the cooperative, articles of incorporation, bylaws and more can be found at casscountyelectric.com.

February 2020 | Highline Notes 3

GRAND IDEAS IN THE MIDWEST Written by: Erin Hemme Froslie

BY 2050, THE WORLD’S FARMERS WILL NEED TO FEED CLOSE TO 9 BILLION PEOPLE.

An innovative project launched by Fargo’s Emerging Prairie strives to find creative uses of technology to meet the nutritional needs of that growing population.

of Fargo Automation, offered the organization 40 acres of farmland along Interstate 29 near Horace, North Dakota, just south of the Microsoft campus in Fargo.

The Grand Farm – a glimpse into what the farm of the future will look like -- sits both metaphorically and physically at the intersection of agriculture and technology, two industries wellrepresented in the region.

“The donation gave us permission to get started,” says Brian Carroll, director of operations at Emerging Prairie.

In the summer of 2018, Emerging Prairie invited a group of stakeholders to imagine what the farm of the future would look like.

The gathering was in response to a question posed by local entrepreneur Barry Batcheller during a One Million Cups presentation.

The conversation was energizing.

A day later Kevin Biffert, founder

The land is where the Grand Farm “makerspace” will be located – a place where scientists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, creators, practicing farmers and others can experiment and demonstrate new farming technology developed from artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The location also will include educational and fun activities for students interested in agriculture and technology.

4 Highline Notes | February 2020

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“We were inspired by Walt Disney’s vision for Epcot Center, an experimental prototype community for tomorrow,” Carroll says. “That’s what we want to do here. We want people to envision the future of agriculture looks like.”

Permanent buildings will replace the mini mobile-trailer and portable toilet that are now on the site, hopefully before 2020 comes to a close.

Biffert, who donated the land, serves on the Grand Farm board. He knows firsthand how technology can disrupt an industry and provide global opportunities for those willing to develop new ideas.

He’s the founder of Fargo Automation, which manufactures automated equipment for the

pharmaceutical and medical industries. Its specialty is the contactless transportation of prefilled syringes and vials.

Sonny Perdue and Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission Ajit Pai both visited the location in 2019.

In 2017, Biffert sold the company to Korber Medipak Systems, a German company. As the Fargobased arm of the company grows, it will move operations to a building next to Grand Farm.

These visits emphasized proactive thinking related to public policy and infrastructure, two needs that will allow innovative farming to occur.

“I see this as a place where people

will work together on advanced, progressive ideas,” Biffert says.

“We know that when people can collaborate, it drives success.”

While the makerspace will be the most visible part of the Grand Farm, the project is much larger.

At its heart, the project strives to solve some of the pressing issues farming faces to feed a growing population: a labor shortage, lack of venture capital, too few workers with technology skills, and safety issues.

“To creatively solve these challenges, we need to bring people together to share their expertise and experience,” Carroll says.

The Grand Farm has already received national attention.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

The project received a boost in October 2019 when Microsoft

Corp. announced a $1.5 million, three-year investment in the project. The money will support building at the project site that will include an academy for learning and a “makerspace” for companies to invent and share ideas.

Emerging Prairie also recently opened the state’s first coding school. The Full Stack Engineering Academy will address the region’s growing need for software development talent. The academy’s goal is to teach workers to learn skills to succeed at new tech careers, including those in the agricultural sector.

“We believe is it’s better to influence technology and policy than be affected by it,” Carroll says.

CassCountyElectric.com

While Grand Farm is still in its early days, its potential is made possible by partnerships. The project’s steering committee includes representation from a variety of fields and experiences.

Corporations in the region have supported the idea with resources and expertise.

And other entities, like Cass County Electric Cooperative, have made the dream a reality by

providing the utilities needed to support innovation.

“When we think about the barnraising partners, Cass County Electric is right there. The cooperative model fits so nicely with what we’re doing here,” Brian Carroll.

Biffert agrees. “Cass County Electric Coop has been flexible.

They assist you so you can accomplish what you want,” he says.

And that will be especially necessary as Grand Farm grows into its potential. Supported with collaboration and creativity, Grand Farm will impact farming practices in the Fargo community and beyond. g

February 2020 | Highline Notes 5

TRIBUTE TO

VERNA LYNN HERKER

Verna Lynn Herker was born in Watertown, SD on January 2, 1961 to Eldon and Ruby Herker. She was raised in Willow Lake, SD and graduated from Willow Lake High School in 1979. She married and had two children, Anna and Lucas. She divorced and moved up to Comstock, MN to further her higher education.

Once there, she attended and graduated from MSU-Moorhead in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She accepted a position at Cass County Electric in April of 1994 and worked there until her passing. Verna passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, December 26, 2019.

6 Highline Notes | February 2020

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W

hen I started working as CCEC over 20 years ago, Verna taught me the mapping number system.

Then I helped her with filing and as her back-up on the TV project. She was always very patient explaining things to the Serve TV, electric members, and her coworkers too!

Over the years, we have shared plant cuttings and I have a large plant at home that came from Verna.

- Heidi Gackle

I

had the pleasure of working with Verna for many years.

She was always pleasant and easy going and was a friend to many. I am going to miss working with her as she provided excellent service to our members.

- Todd Bollinger

I

’ve known Verna since 1993 when I started working at Cass County Electric part-time doing some data entry in engineering. We hit it off right away and she struck me as a very friendly and out-going person. We were both independent single women, and we both had college degrees in Criminal Justice.

Verna was one of those women that define the term “independent.” She grew tired of living in a small house in Comstock with two children in the 90’s, so she bought a lot and moved a large two story home from the country onto it and fixed it up. Other than necessary contractor work, she did a lot of the work herself. She could paint, sheetrock, plumb, wire and even re-shingled her garage recently. I am in awe of all she could do. I think she could even tinker on a car a bit. She loved volunteering and volksmarching. She would even come out to my farm and ride horse with me.

She was a very strong woman. I have not met anyone kinder, or gentler. Always willing to help others, always asking how others are doing and putting others ahead of herself. I will miss her greatly.

- Dee DeGeest

V

erna was a quilter and very crafty. She made the most beautiful folded fabric quilted Christmas ornaments in every color. I’m so lucky to have an ornament that she made.

- Karen Egeberg

V

erna was a strong lady who cared deeply for those close to her. She tackled any project with a can do spirit and her smile and laugh will never be forgotten.

- Cass County Electric Employee

I

have worked with Verna for many years. She’s worn many hats both at Cass and in life. She was a positive person with many talents. She strived to help members with their energy concerns, changes of service requests amongst other duties to help our department run smoothly and efficiently. She was a great gardener both vegetable and floral. She was her own handy man always fixing and repairing either at her home or someone else’s.

Her quilting work was beautiful! She had a big heart with a strong conviction to help others. I hope she has found a large garden of veggies and flowers to take care of, stacks of fabric to work her magic on, and a toolbelt with her name engraved on it. She will be missed!

- Lynette Girodat

V

erna was a very strong-willed woman who didn’t beat around the bush when talking to people. I think this was one of her best or most genuine qualities. She had a way of reassuring you when you would question yourself on things, it must have been that motherly instinct of hers. It was always great to watch her become so animated when she would discuss her travels and the walks she would do. I asked her one day what she wanted to do when she retired, she stated, “I want to travel. I would like to go to New Mexico for the hot air balloon festival and watch them take off.” Verna, I will miss your straightforwardness, your willingness to help and most of all your laugh. It was infectious. Fly high Verna. You are missed tremendously.

- Millie Swesey

V

erna was a very talented and independent woman.

We used to trade goods; Walleye for her garden goodies. She will truly be missed by all of us.

- Keith Prischmann

A

lthough Verna frequently volunteered her time with a variety of groups, she was always one of the first to offer to represent CCEC at opportunities helping out in the service territory. She decorated trees for Fraser, helped at the food pantries, bowled for Big Brother/ Big Sister, and painted bowls for March of Dimes. In her personal life, she was a great example of overcoming struggles. As a young single mother with two toddlers, she started at MSUM. She won an award from the local Soroptimist Club, to help pay for her schooling. The Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Awards are cash awards designed to assist women entering or re-entering the workforce in obtaining the education and skills training they need to improve their employment status.

I will always remember Verna as one of the bright spots from my time at CCEC. - Trudy Wanner, Retired CCEC Employee

CassCountyElectric.com

February 2020 | Highline Notes 7

WHAT USES WATTS? Use the chart below to get an idea of how appliances in your home can contribute to your monthly electric bill.

Residential/household

Typical wattage*

Estimated hours used per month*

Estimated monthly kWh

Cost per month at $0.11/kWh

Air conditioner (central – 8.5 SEER, 2.5 tons)

3,500

100

350

38.50

Air conditioner (room – 9,000 Btu)

1,050

360

378

41.58

Clothes dryer

5,000

16

80

8.80

Clothes washer (doesn’t include hot water)

500

16

8

0.88

Coffee maker

800

5

4

0.44

Computer

200

240

48

5.28

Dehumidifier

350

240

84

9.24

Dishwasher (doesn’t include hot water)

1,800

15

20

2.20

Freezer (frostless 15 cu. ft.)

335

334

112

12.32

Lighting - 1 Incandescent bulb

60

150

9

0.99

Lighting - 1 CFL bulb

13

150

2

0.22

Lighting - 1 LED bulb

9

150

1.4

0.15

Microwave oven

1,500

10

15

1.65

Radio

25

100

3

0.33

Range with oven

3,500

15

188

20.68

Refrigerator/freezer (14 cu. ft.)

300

300

150

16.50

Refrigerator/freezer (frostless, 16-18 cu. ft.)

400

250

154

16.94

Television – 46˝ LED (6 hrs. /day)

87

180

16

1.76

Television – 32˝ LCD (6 hrs. /day)

114

180

21

2.31

Television – 42˝ plasma (6 hrs. /day)

360

180

65

7.15

Water heater (varies widely)

4,500

90

405

44.55

Water pump (deep well)

1,000

15

15

1.65

*Actual wattage and estimated hours will vary. Consult the information panel on your appliances for specifics.

COMMUNITY-FOCUSED. MEMBER-DRIVEN. 2 0 2 0

A N N U A L

M E E T I N G

April 21, 2020 | 5:00 Registration | 5:30 Meal | 6:00 Business Meeting

Delta by Marriot - 1635 42nd St SW, Fargo, ND 58104

8 Highline Notes | February 2020

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OUTAGE INFO To report a power outage, call 701-356-4400 or 800-248-3292. Don’t be concerned if we are unable to answer your call - our Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system uses the phone number you are calling from to log the outage. You can also submit the outage through the Cass County Electric app.

Our newly updated live outage viewer at CassCountyElectric.com gives you options to change the underlying map, including satellite images and weather, and view a summary of outage information.

The quickest way to see it is through the Cass County Electric app.

We send you text messages and email notifications for planned and unplanned outages, which is why it is vital that you keep an updated cell phone number and email address on file with us.

Our goal is to keep our outage frequency and duration to a minimum while prioritizing the safety of our linecrews. Our engineering and operations team works diligently to maintain our equipment.

Outage restoration steps:

1. In situations where SCADA equipment notifies technicians of an abnormality, technicians ping meters to see which meters in affected areas are “talking back.”

2. Outage Management Systems (OMS) can help us pinpoint the location of the problem.

3. Inbound calls and app submissions alert us of an outage and help narrow down the scope of the outage.

4. The outage viewer is continuously updating as technicians, and linecrews work the outage(s).

5. Techs may remotely reroute (switch) power in situations where this is possible.

6. During business hours, crews immediately proceed to the outage. After hours, linecrews are contacted and proceed to our service centers to get their vehicles.

7. As soon as the outage is verified, text/e-mail outage notifications are sent to affected members.

8. Crews investigate the cause of the outage and work with Power Control to determine the safest course to restore power.

9. Line crews are on-site and completing repairs.

Predicted (orange): An estimated amount of people are out of power but not yet confirmed by our linecrews. Verified (red): Our linecrews have confirmed the outage.

CassCountyElectric.com

February 2020 | Highline Notes 9

photo ND Through your Eyes

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

Bradley Hurajt, West Fargo

Cass County Electric Cooperative Mission: To serve our members’ energy needs with affordable and reliable electricity.

Cass County Electric Cooperative Values: Safety, Integrity, Innovation, Accountability, and Community 10 Highline Notes | February 2020 CassCountyElectric.com

o give back Operation Round Up

Cass County Electric Cooperative Foundation Cass County Electric Cooperative established the foundation and its funding through Operation Round Up in 1993. This community support program enables members to raise money for local charities and service organizations by allowing the Cooperative to “round up” electric bills to the next highest dollar. The monthly contribution could be as little as a penny, but never more than 99 cents, with the average donation per consumer-member $5.81 per year.

These funds are used primarily in Cass County Electric’s service territory and are awarded by the Foundation’s Board of Directors representing each district in our service area. To date, our generous consumer-members have raised more than $3.25 million for our community since 1993.

In 2019, $201,500 in funding was approved by the Cass County Electric Foundation Board of Directors for the following organizations: Abused Persons Outreach Center, Inc. Alzheimer’s Association MN-ND Chapter American Gold Gymnastics American Red Cross ND Assistive Barnes County Historical Society Barnes County Soil Conservation District BIO Girls, Inc. Cass County Historical Society-Bonanzaville Catholic Charities of ND Child Evangelism Fellowship of Fargo-Moorhead Colfax Park Board Community of Care-Arthur Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Emergency Food Pantry Enderlin High School FBLA Chapter Enderlin Lions Club Family HealthCare Fargo Park District Foundation

Fargo-Moorhead Youth Choir Farmer in the Dell of the Red River Valley First Lutheran Sewing Ladies FirstLink F-M Ambulance Services, Inc. Friends of the Children F-M Great Plains Food Bank HERO-Health Equipment Recycling Organization Hope Blooms Hospice of the Red River Valley Jeremiah Program Junior Achievement Labrash/Altringer American Legion Post 236 Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Lisbon Area Health Services Lisbon Pool Preservers Lutheran Church of the Cross Mapleton Volunteer Fire Department Marketplace of Ideas/Marketplace for Kids, Inc.

Mercy Healthcare Foundation ND Association for the Disabled, Inc. ND Jumpstart Coalition -Fargo Chapter New Life Center Page Café Association Prairie Public Broadcasting Presentation Partners in Housing Red River Dance and Performing Company Red River Human Services Foundation Ronald McDonald House Scottish Rite Language Center South Central Adult Services Council, Inc. The Arc of Cass County Verona Community Center Village Family Service Center YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties YWCA Cass Clay

Small Change. BIG IMPACT.

CassCountyElectric.com

February 2020 | Highline Notes 11

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

Burger Stuffed Mushrooms, Brenda Ackerman Ingredients 1 lb. ground beef 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard 2 cloves garlic, minced Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 16 oz. baby bella mushrooms 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 6 slices cheddar, quartered Sliced cherry tomato, for garnish Sliced gherkins, for garnish Preparation Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and stir until fully combined. Form into small patties (approximately the size of your mushrooms). In a large bowl, toss mushroom caps with oil and season with salt. On a parchment lined baking sheet, place the mushrooms stem side up. Place your tiny burgers in the wells of the mushroom caps and bake for 20 minutes. Take the baking sheet out of the oven and place slices of cheddar on burgers. Return to the oven and bake for 10 minutes more.

Garnish with a slice of tomato and a pickle chip. Serve.

Crack Chicken, Kim Rueb Ingredients 1 bag frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 packet dry ranch mix 2 blocks cream cheese 1 bag shredded Italian cheese blend Preparation Put chicken, ranch, and cream cheese in crock pot on low 6-8 hours or high 4-6 hours.

Once cooked thoroughly shred chicken, add shredded cheese, and mix well. Great on sandwiches or on tortilla chips.

Seven Layer Dip, Angela Lorenz Ingredients 2 avocados - peeled, pitted and diced 1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup salsa Garlic salt to taste Ground black pepper to taste 1 (8 oz.) container sour cream 1 (1 oz.) package taco seasoning mix 4 roma tomatoes, diced 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped 1 (16 oz.) can refried beans 2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese blend 1 (2.25 oz) can black olives - drained and finely chopped Preparation In a medium bowl, mash the avocados. Mix in lime juice, cilantro, salsa, garlic salt and pepper. In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and taco seasoning. In a 9x13 inch dish or on a large serving platter, spread the refried beans. Top with sour cream mixture. Spread on guacamole. Top with tomatoes, green onions, Mexican-style cheese blend and black olives.

As a valued consumer-member of Cass County Electric Cooperative, you have access to huge discounts at connections.coop!

Start saving today!

12 Highline Notes | February 2020 CassCountyElectric.com

d

safety Winter Storm Preparation

Extreme winter weather can lead to power outages. Are you prepared?

Cass County Electric Cooperative strives to provide you with reliable, uninterrupted service every day of the year, but sometimes Mother Nature creates unavoidable power outages. We want you to remain safe during severe weather, so consider preparing now for the possibility of power outages this winter.

Weatherproof your home • Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.

• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.

• Make sure your gutters are clean in the fall to prevent ice dams in the winter.

• Install storm or thermal-pane windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.

and an alternative heat source ready.

• Know where the manual release lever on your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it.

• If someone in your home is dependent on electricpowered, life-sustaining equipment, remember to include backup power in your plan.

During an outage • Use flashlights for emergency • Repair roof leaks and cut lighting. Candles with open away tree branches that could flames can cause fires. fall on your home or other structure during a storm.

• Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest Before a storm settings (remember to reset • Build or restock your them back to normal once emergency preparedness power is restored). During kit, including a flashlight, an outage, do not open the batteries, cash, and first-aid refrigerator or freezer door. supplies and medications.

Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours, • Have a water supply and and in a well-packed freezer non-perishable food on hand. for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed).

• Make sure your cellphone is fully charged before a storm • Turn off or disconnect or that you have alternative appliances and other methods for charging your equipment in case of a phone. momentary “surge” that can damage computers • Have warm clothing, blankets, and other devices. Consider

CassCountyElectric.com

adding surge protectors to your home and valuable equipment.

• Dress for the season, wearing several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, rather than one layer of heavy clothing. If you are going outside, the outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.

Operate generators safely • Never run a generator in an enclosed space such as the basement or garage. Always place a generator at least 20 feet from the house.

• Make sure your home has a working carbon monoxide detector.

• Stock up on extra gasoline and store it properly.

• Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet.

This can cause “back feeding” along power lines, and it puts utility workers, neighbors, and you at risk of electrocution.

• To prevent any “back feeding” from occurring, a transfer safety switch should be installed by a professional.

February 2020 | Highline Notes 13

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Your energy.

Your time.

YOUR WAY. Download the Cass County Electric app to pay your bill, view and compare energy use, and report outages.

Just a tap away from controlling your power.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded

by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

ads Ad Policy

All ads must be 40 words or less and will be abbreviated following our guidelines.

No real estate or commercial ads will be accepted. Ads are published for members at no charge as space permits on a first-received-first-printed basis. Ads are due by the 10 of the month prior to publication. Members may submit only one ad per issue. Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any ad.

Email ads to: ccec@kwh.com (preferred).

Mail ads to: Highline Notes, 4100 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58104

For Sale 2007 Ford Taurus, 56k mi, $4,500.

701-238-6957

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

China cabinet, lighted with glass shelves 44”x16”77”. 701-845-0600

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.

To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program. intake@usda.gov.

1948 8N Ford Tractor, needs rear oil seal & tire other side new and battery runs well, comes w/woods mower & blade. $4,000/OBO. 701-318-3798

Cass County Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

14 Highline Notes | February 2020 CassCountyElectric.com

Tier2 Medium Duty Single Brush Strip 78”x22” for 2” hitch, SKU 27822-T2, New last year. $200.

701-799-3961 Ariens Sno-Thrower, 2008 - Model SS722EC. Paid $777 will sell for $100. 701-446-6670

Golden Brand Medical Power Lift & Recliner Chair. Purchased from Sanford Accessories in 2016 for $1,500. Mechanics & fabric exc. cond., $850/OBO. 701-261-6851 2002 Ford Taurus XL, $2,000/OBO 105K mi. 701-361-4903 33 Bergen Toy & Novelty plastic soldiers, manufactured at Carlstadt, NJ from 1928-1958, pics avail., best offer. 701-799-4677

s

events

Important Dates. Energy Tips. Safety Reminders.

- February SUNDAY

JAN. 26

MONDAY

JAN. 27

TUESDAY

JAN. 28

WEDNESDAY

JAN. 29

THURSDAY

JAN. 30

FRIDAY

JAN. 31

SATURDAY

1 BLACK HISTORY MONTH

2

3

4

GROUNDHOG DAY

Change furnace filters.

5

10

11

Set your water heater at 120° F to avoid wasting energy. Water heaters can account for up to 25% of your bill.

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18

PRESIDENT’S DAY

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14

PRESIDENT LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY

GIVING HEARTS DAY

VALENTINE’S DAY

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27

Make sure electric blankets are turned off in the morning.

MARDI GRAS

ASH WEDNESDAY

Clean refrigerator coils annually.

CassCountyElectric.com

15

22

Switch your refrigerator’s power-saver to “ON,” if available.

PRESIDENT WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY

8

12

Take quick, warm showers.

Cass County Electric Board Meeting

7 NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY

Clean air ducts. A clogged air duct won’t let heat in or out.

SUPER BOWL

9

6

28

29 LEAP DAY!

FREE PARKING ON US! HBA Home & Garden Show, FargoDome

HBA Home & Garden Show, FargoDome

February 2020 | Highline Notes 15

February 2020

800-248-3292 | CassCountyElectric.com 4100 32nd Ave S., Fargo, ND 58104

Visit CassCountyElectric.com/e-hln to sign up for paperless Highline Notes!

FREE PARKING

at the RRV Home & Garden Show!

Friday, February 28 3:00-9:00 P.M. COURTESY OF:

16 Highline Notes | February 2020 CassCountyElectric.com