October Highline Notes 2020

HIGHLINE notes Rain or shine, day or night, we’re here for you.

October is National Co-op Month.

October 2020

#PowerOn

Escape to Stiklestad, page 4 Cooperative updates, page 7 Saving energy in the shop, page 8

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October 2020 | Highline Notes 1

editorial Please vote; it is your right and privilege Marshal Albright, President/CEO direct impact on your community and your quality of life.

Like the national level, local elections represent who we are as a community, and more importantly, where we want to go. Whether it’s an election for a mayor, sheriff, state representative, or a school board member, your vision for the community is tied to your vote.

Voting keeps elected officials accountable.

There’s an old political saying, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” This adage is the perfect answer to the question, “Why vote?” It’s a blunt description of what happens when you don’t engage in the political process.

If you don’t vote, you’re not only missing the opportunity to support a candidate that shares your views and concerns; you’re allowing others to chart a course that impacts your future. That’s why we’re encouraging all Cass County Electric Cooperative members to vote on Nov. 3, 2020.

It is more important than ever to understand the issues before you vote. The legislative focus for the cooperative is to support energy policies that ensure affordable and reliable power supply.

While local elections may not be as exciting as the high-profile presidential election, they are just as critical. Local elections have a

Your board, your voice Cass County Electric board members provide strategic guidance on the Cooperative’s direction and how it serves the community. Local board members embody the voice and identity of the community.

Cass County Electric has a ninemember board and recently held an election for three directors.

Ultimately, the role of the Cooperative’s board is governance and to ensure the financial stability of the Cooperative. While our employees make day-today decisions, more significant decisions are made by the board, whose mission is to plan for the long-term vitality of the co-op and the members we serve. Cass County Electric board members provide their perspective on community priorities, thereby enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments.

We live in challenging times with significant decisions ahead that

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will impact the Cooperative, and we need you, the members of the co-op, to voice your opinions and help keep the system in check.

We also depend on you and your neighbors to vote so that we can stay on course and ensure that we are in sync with the community that we serve. If you are interested in running for a director seat, please contact our office and ask for a 2021 director election packet.

Our next director elections are scheduled for April 2021.

Vote In November, a strong voter turnout shows investment in the community and ensures that a diverse number of views are represented. By voting in national, state, and local elections, you serve as a role model for your family, friends, and colleagues.

The act of voting demonstrates your support for the community and helps officials chart a future course. Democracy is not a spectator sport. Research candidates, learn about issues that are on the ballot, and get out and vote!

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Highline Notes

Content in Every Issue

10 11 12 13 14 15

community tech

ads

safety

Board Meeting Highlights

recipes

Statement of Ownership

August

The Cass County Electric Board of Directors met on Aug. 25, 2020, and discussed the following topics: • Held a “wrap-up” discussion of the 82nd Annual Meeting of Cass County Electric, noting the introduction of electronic voting along with absentee ballots.

• Approved the August 2020 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes of the previous meeting, monthly department reports, director expense report, proposed announcement of the 2021 director elections, and the July Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA).

• The board expressed their thanks and appreciation to the lineworkers and engineering staff for their exceptional outage restoration work following the Aug. 14 storm south of Fargo.

• Held the board reorganization meeting reelecting Director Svenningsen as chair, Director Triebold as vice chair, Director Mitzel as secretary, and electing Director Hoff as treasurer. The board retained the Vogel Law Firm as legal counsel. The meeting date and time remains the last Tuesday of each month beginning at 8:30 AM. • President/CEO Marshal Albright gave the president’s report noting brief updates on meetings with local legislators, progress completed on the 2020 Business Plan, Project Tundra, and Minnkota.

• Accepted the July 2020 financial report.

• Received updates from the Minnkota and Square Butte annual meetings.

• Approved the August 2020 capital credit estate payments.

• The board discussed dates and topics for the upcoming board/staff strategic planning retreat.

• Chose voting delegates for the NRECA, CFC, and Federated regional meetings in October.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020.

photo

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Volume 78, Number 10

Communications Team: Sara Hand Jocelyn Hovland

Printer: Forum Communications Printing Board of Directors: Douglas Anderson Sid Berg Kalvin Hoff, Treasurer John Froelich Wendy Loucks Glenn Mitzel, Secretary Thomas J. Seymour Marcy Svenningsen, Chair Jeff Triebold, Vice Chair 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.

October 2020 | Highline Notes 3

ESCAPE TO

The true beauty of the Sheyenne River Valley is not something you find 10 layers deep surfing your phone.

It’s something you experience strapping up your boots, throwing on the shades, and stepping outside.

Surrounded by the rolling hills of Fort Ransom stands Stiklestad Lodge.

Built in 2009, Stiklestad Lodge is a unique destination venue that offers a private, exclusive experience that allows guests to build long-lasting relationships with their family, friends, and coworkers. It’s a place where you can mix work with leisure, escaping your traditional stale office meeting and exchanging it for a gorgeous view, increased employee engagement, and strengthened camaraderie in a relaxing atmosphere.

Stiklestad has found a niche in hosting a large number of weddings and family reunions, but its true vision is to provide businesses with a unique venue to host meetings that will give their employees and customers memories they will never forget. Incorporating Mother Nature into your events seems to have this effect.

“It’s a diamond in the rough in North Dakota,” said Bob Miller, general manager at Stiklestad Lodge. “A lot of people don’t know it’s here, but once they experience it, they never forget their time spent at Stiklestad.”

Features and amenities When you first drive up the long narrow road, it’s easy to think your lost; but keep driving until you see the wood pillars holding the hand-carved wood sign that says “Stiklestad Lodge.” Tucked behind the trees is where the magic happens. Inside the lodge is a large, doublesided stone fireplace that extends from the floor to the vaulted ceiling, a kitchen, bar, and dining area.

Stiklestad does provide a simple menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with pricing that ranges from $5 to $30. However, customers can also work with their chef if they are looking for something different. Miller says Stiklestad staff is proud to cater to your needs and take the stress out of your stay so you can focus on what matters – creating lasting memories.

Spread across the campus are eight cabins that sleep eight individuals. A renovated bathhouse includes modern bathroom facilities and a wood-fired sauna. The 4 Highline Notes | October 2020

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lodge is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the company of your family, have fun with a friendly competition of foosball, or a game of pool. If you are looking for adventure, you won’t have to go far.

SEE PAGE 15 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AREA ATTRACTIONS.

On-site, you can enjoy a rifle and a five stand trap range. If you prefer other activities, Stiklestad offers a variety of yard games to all of its guests, or you can experience Fort Ransom State Park, which is a short six-mile drive away. At Fort Ransom State Park, guests can take adventures through the hiking, biking, and ski trails, along with visiting the mineral springs or the only waterfall in North Dakota!

For all the fall hunters who are looking for a place to stay, Stiklestad can handle both small and large groups, including your dogs.

Stiklestad has 18 elevated kennels with heated mats when it gets colder. There are plenty of opportunities to hunt upland, as well as waterfowl and a butcher shop to clean and process your game.

Events Stiklestad’s Learning Center is the spot for larger gatherings like corporate events or weddings. The center coasts a large auditorium seating up to 240, TVs hung from the ceiling for visual aids, and large garage doors on each end of the building for easy access. Miller says updates are always being made to accommodate the different styles of weddings and to make decorating a large space easy. “We rigged the ceiling so our guests could easily lower the mechanism, attach their decorations, and raise it with no hassle,” he explained.

Next time you are planning a family outing or a team-building retreat, don’t overlook Stiklestad Lodge. You may be surprised by the lasting memories that will be created. Stiklestad aims to work with the surrounding communities so guests can experience everything they want to during their stay.

“We want to be the vehicle to build long-lasting relationships. We want Stiklestad to be the memory that people bring up year after year and say, ‘Remember when we were at Stiklestad?’” Miller said.

“If a guest is looking for something we don’t offer, we will work with local community members.”

Cass County Electric is proud to provide power to a venue that allows our members to experience what rural North Dakota has to offer in a breathtaking atmosphere while building a connected community.

While Stiklestad is building its future and expanding its events, the team will never forget the history from which they started. Visit StiklestadLodge.com for more information.

The church building was fully renovated and brought to life and is now used for church retreats.

History Stiklestad is a tribute to the hardworking immigrants who first settled in the beautiful Fort Ransom - Sheyenne River Valley of North Dakota. The Battle of Stiklestad was fought in the year 1030 and is one of the most famous battles in the history of Norway. In this battle, King Olaf II was killed. Stiklestad Church was erected at the site where King Olaf fell in battle. Early settlers of the Fort Ransom area formed the Stiklestad Lutheran Church in 1887. After a fire destroyed the church in 1968, the congregation dissolved, but the Stiklestad Cemetery can still be found 3 miles from the lodge today.

CassCountyElectric.com

October 2020 | Highline Notes 5

Open and Voluntary

MEMBERSHIP

Democratic

MEMBER CONTROL

MEMBERS’ ECONOMIC

Autonomy and

INDEPENDENCE

Participation

EDUCATION,

COOPERATION

Training,

Among

& Information

Cooperatives

Concern for

COMMUNITY

CO-OPS ARE PEOPLE POWERED

2021 DIRECTOR ELECTIONS If you are a Cass County Electric member and are interested in becoming a Director, contact Karen Egeberg at 701-356-4405 for a 2021 director election petition packet. In compliance with Bylaw requirements, a petition, biographical information, and such other information as the board or credentialing committee may require to establish and verify the qualifications of the proposed director to serve must be delivered to the Cooperative office no less than 90 days (by Jan. 20, 2021) prior to the date of the Annual Member Meeting of Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at which an election will be held.

District 2 Douglas Anderson (I) Arthur District 3 Sidney Berg (I) Colfax District 5(1) Wendy Loucks (I) Fargo Directors are elected by ballot for a three-year term. Nominees must be a bona fide resident of the director district in which they are seeking directorship.

The names of all candidates who submit the required information in the time and manner specified in Article III. Section 3.6 of the Bylaws will be submitted to a credentialing committee consisting of between three and eight members, as determined by the board of directors. The credentialing committee may require candidates to provide and verify additional information deemed relevant by the credentialing committee. (CCEC Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation can be found at CassCountyElectric.com; a written copy is also available upon request.)

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District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 (3 Directors) District 6 * Director 9 is an at-large position

VOTING AND ANNUAL MEETING UPDATES Changes to the bylaws allowed the Cooperative to add electronic voting with previously available absentee voting to provide an opportunity for members to vote for their board of directors. Survey and Ballot Systems, a third-party vendor, managed the voting process that was open from Aug. 3 through Aug. 18.

was the Board of Directors, necessary staff, legal counsel, the director candidates, and two members that formed the Teller Committee. Board chair Marcy Svenningsen presided over the meeting. Legal counsel Tami Norgard, Vogel Law Firm, reviewed bylaw changes and explained the election procedures. The number of valid votes cast was 791. Board Because of the COVID-19 Secretary Glenn Mitzel announced pandemic, the Board approved this number and the credentialing to change the format of this committee’s report. Incumbent year’s annual meeting to a virtual Tom Seymour won the District meeting. The 2020 Cass County 5(2) election by 75 votes. Marcy Electric Cooperative Virtual Annual Svenningsen, At-large, and Jeff Meeting was held on Tuesday, Triebold, District 4, ran unopposed Aug. 25. and were reelected.

Present, in person, at the meeting

Jeff Triebold (I) District 4

Cass County Electric would like

Marcy Svenningsen (I)

to thank Terry Kraft and Bradley Maasjo for actively engaging with the cooperative and running for a position on the board. We also want to thank all members that took the time to vote in the election. That’s democracy and cooperative values at work!

We encourage members to watch the business meeting as well as video reports from Chad Sapa, CFO, regarding the Cooperative’s financial status, Marshal Albright, president/CEO with an update on your cooperative, and the board chair report by Marcy Svenningsen. These video reports are all available at CassCountyElectric.com/ AM2020.

Tom Seymour (I) District 5(2)

At-Large

CassCountyElectric.com

October 2020 | Highline Notes 7

SAVING ENERGY IN THE FARM SHOP

The farm shop is often the second-most-used rural building during the winter, next to the home. It needs to be well insulated and sealed to keep energy use to a minimum. We have adapted content from NDSU Extension for this article.

Find other useful savings information for a farm or ranch at https://farm-energy. extension.org.

Install insulation with an R-30 to R-40 value in the ceiling and R-19 value in the sidewalls. Doors should have an R-value of 10 to 12 (Two inches of foam insulation).

Install weatherstripping if doors do not fit tightly and allow significant amounts of cold air inside. Air infiltration is one of the largest heat wasters in many buildings.

Install one or two inches 8 Highline Notes | October 2020

of extruded polystyrene (enclosed cell insulation) at least two feet below the ground level around the shop foundation. Any concrete exposed above ground level needs insulation, and the insulation above ground needs to be covered to prevent physical damage from birds, rodents, and sunlight. Be sure to extend the insulation cover well below ground level for at least six inches or more. The foundation insulation should lap the wall insulation to provide continuous insulation.

Consider our off-peak program for electric floor heat in shop spaces. Waste engine oil can be used as an effective backup or supplemental heat during control times.

Used engine oil tends to accumulate extremely fast during times when farm CassCountyElectric.com

engines are operating. Store this oil in a large barrel to use for heating during the winter.

Several manufacturers make waste oil heaters, and many can use fuel oil if the waste oil runs out. Service and inspect heaters annually to ensure proper operation.

Keep the number and size of windows to a minimum. They increase heat loss and limit useable wall space for tools.

Also, they usually provide little light in the shop as the days are short in winter, and the light they provide is generally near the wall where they are installed.

Install double- or tripleglazed windows to help reduce heat loss and reduce moisture condensation. A window with single glazing will have an R-value of about 0.9, whereas a double-glazed

CCEC Off-Peak Programs:

Grain sites We offer discounted rates and program flexibility. Through our Incremental Pricing Plan (IPP), there are different rates for various control events, referred to as yellow zone or red zone time periods.

from an electric source to a backup source, such as propane or fuel oil. In exchange, participating members receive discounted off-peak electric rates, which are competitive with fuel oil and propane.

Our off-peak program is designed to reduce electric demand during peak times, saving you money.

Shop heating When electric demand and market electricity prices are high, an offpeak device automatically switches

To learn how off-peak may work for you, please contact our Energy Management Department at 701-356-4400 or energy@kwh.com.

window with an inert gas between panes will have an R-value of 3.0 to 4.0, reducing heat loss 60-75%.

Good overhead lighting is a necessity in a shop.

Use LEDs for economical lighting to keep electricity use to a minimum and give good lighting to work on equipment. Longevity, decreased maintenance, and decreasing purchase prices make LEDs the only real option. Consider adding timers, occupancy sensors, or task lighting to increase savings.

Installing the large doors facing south or east will prevent a considerable amount of heat loss when doors are opened. Bring large, cold equipment inside the shop to warm up the night before working on it.

a condensing type unit heater are 13% and 28%, respectively, more efficient than a gravityvented unit heater.

Dense shelterbelts reduce the wind velocity and the energy needed to heat the shop.

Short, dense trees should be Use zone heating. Heat located on the edge of the only the areas that need to shelterbelt and taller trees be heated with directional in the middle. Shelterbelts or radiant heaters – over should be a minimum of 200 workbenches, for example. feet from the shop or other They heat the objects but not buildings to reduce snow the air directly. Separating the buildup. shop from the storage area can save a significant amount Credit: Kenneth Hellevang, Extension Ag Engineer, North of heat, even with a plastic Dakota State University and Carl curtain. Turn off or turn Pedersen, formerly with North Install large doors for bringing down the heat when it is not Dakota State University. Adapted machinery in and out of needed. If using unit heaters, from the online article “Farm Shop the shop, so they face away use the power-vented or Efficiency Checklist”, North Dakota from prevailing winter winds. condensing type and avoid State University Extension.

Prevailing winter winds are gravity-vented unit heaters. A usually from the northwest. power-vented unit heater and

Look Up and Look Out

for Power Lines Overhead power lines are common on the farm, but failure to notice them can be a deadly oversight.

CassCountyElectric.com

October 2020 | Highline Notes 9

Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil and you’re a thousand miles from the corn field. -Dwight D. Eisenhower

Here’s the dirt

CCEC gives back to Farm Rescue in more than one way Communities reflect the people who live here. It’s those people, our members, who drive us to find new ways to serve the communities that built us. Bob Miller, Cass County Electric business accounts executive, grew up on a small farm in rural North Dakota. Miller holds a special place in his heart for agriculture and understands the hardships associated with farming.

Life on a farm presented Miller the experience to assist his neighbor in harvesting his crops when he had a stroke and did not have extra help.

“You always help your neighbor. It’s just what you do,” Miller said.

Etched in Miller’s DNA is the willingness to extend his hand. For the last two years, he’s been an avid volunteer for Farm Rescue.

Farm Rescue was founded in 2005 and has helped 700 families since

its inception. The organization’s mission is to help farmers and ranchers who have experienced a significant illness, injury, or natural disaster by providing the necessary equipment and manpower to perform time-sensitive services.

In May, Miller was featured as Farm Rescuer of the Month and received acknowledgment for his wealth of experience in agriculture and skills at operating any piece of equipment.

“We are extremely blessed to have Bob as a volunteer. He’s hardworking, willing to help us out on short notice, and he is close to our home base,” said Dan Erdmann, program manager. “The fact Bob can volunteer on short notice is a true blessing to our organization.”

Recently, Cass County Electric’s

10 Highline Notes | October 2020 CassCountyElectric.com

foundation, Operation Round Up (ORU), granted Farm Rescue $2,500 to help fund its mission to help farmers and ranchers during difficult circumstances.

Farm Rescue says it’s thankful and humbled to receive the funds.

“Cass County Electric has been a wonderful support in expanding our assistance efforts,” said Erdmann.

Volunteers are the backbone of Farm Rescue. Erdmann says the ORU grant will allow them to reach more families in crisis and pay for the volunteers to be the boots on the ground.

For more information on Farm Rescue and the successful impact they make in our community, visit their website at FarmRescue.org.

To those who work in acres, not in hours, we thank you.

tech

Sense Home Energy Monitor Your lifestyle determines the energy use reflected on your bill, but most homeowners have a hard time comprehending the cost when it comes to high bills.

That’s where Sense swoops in.

Sense is, in a way, your home’s grocery receipt. Instead of seeing the cost of the turkey you bought for Thanksgiving, Sense provides a breakdown of how much energy it costs you to bake the turkey.

features will benefit you the most.

We highlighted two of the many features in the app.

Online reviews mentioned after installation, it takes manual detective work to help Sense learn individual appliances. It’s like an energy-saving scavenger hunt.

Sense identifies larger energy loads on its own such as your water heater, air conditioner, furnace, and dryer. Other smaller energy loads, like your kitchen lighting, TV, or coffee pot, take time.

Sense will provide a handy summary showing how much each one device contributes to your monthly energy use, the cost of the electricity Reduce energy & set goals it consumes, and a graph of how “Always On” is a popular feature that many times per day it comes on. identifies vampire loads, inefficient or malfunctioning appliances, and You can also set custom alerts surplus devices like the spare fridge for when something is on or off you might not need. Zach Swanson, for a certain amount of time. For a Cass County Electric member example, you can create an alert service technician, experienced to sound if the refrigerator is off savings by monitoring the “Always for more than an hour. For more On” feature. information about the Sense Home Energy Monitor, visit Sense.com.

Like all smart gadgets, Sense comes with an app. Take some time to learn the app and which

Energy costs Sense provides real-time data on how much energy your home appliances are using. The app brings a new perspective to your energy use. You can add Cass County Electric’s electricity cost, and it calculates how much energy appliances are using each day. For example, Sense will show you your refrigerator used $1.32 in energy, and the water heater used $2.54.

CassCountyElectric.com

Swanson noticed his normal “Always On” load was producing roughly 285 kWh, and a few months later, it showed 1,500 kWh. Through the app, he was able to detect his horse and cattle stock heater was running all the time, which made his “Always On” skyrocket.

“If you’re diligent and take the time, it can save you money in the long run,” said Swanson.

October 2020 | Highline Notes 11

ads

All ads must be 40 words or fewer 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 firstreceived-first, printed basis. Ads are due by the 10th 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.

For Sale ERTL metal toy piggybanks vehicle shaped, orig. boxes, vintage, new, or decades old. U.S. coin proof sets 1971-1991, $11/ea or 2/$20. Silver American Eagle 1-oz uncirculated coins - 3/$100 or $35/ea. Call for details or list. 701-371-8161 Trombone, very good cond., $300.

701-645-2526 1 horizontal, 3 shelf file cabinet (beige), $75. 2 Poulan gas chain saws, both need carb kit, $35/ea.

701-277-3010 Remodeled. 10 white working toilets. 701-388-7696 Juki TL2000QI straight stitch highspeed sewing & quilting machine.

Hardly used, new, in the box, great for quilting and sewing masks, $350. 701-200-3075 12 Godinger silver-plate chargers, $65. 701-238-1395 Firewood, take as much or as little as you like, make offer. Baldor air dryer fan/blower and motor, Caldwell frame, 7.5-10 HP air-over

motor, only 20 hrs., 230V, 3450 RPM, upgrading to larger. North of Fargo, $700. 701-799-9049 Custom made Ezee step for shoreline boat trailer, $400. 701645-2465 or 701-238-8281 Unia cover for ½ ton pickup in good shape, $200. 701-484-5659 Bergen toy & novelty plastic figures, produced 1938-1958, collector items with identifying marks, figures consist of: soldiers, cowboys, Indians, civilian figures, & animals, considered antique items.

701-799-4677 Newly constructed wooden storage shed w/16” O.C. studs & rafters, Hallmark shingles, primed siding & trim. Double doors open to 47”W x 70”H. Front vent, back window, double door locks, $2,500/ OBO. 701-840-8221 or 701-749-2619 House radiators, asst. sizes, great condition. 2- 20” H 33” W 12” D. 38” H 24” W 9” D. 20” H 48” W 12” D. 20” H 60” W 9”D. 20” H 42” W 13” D. 20” H 30” W 12” D. 20” H 68” W 9” D. recently disconnected & drained,

$400/all or $75/ea. 701-371-8111 4 old tractor magnetos, 2 Fairbanks Morse, 2 American Bosch. All hot.

1 Wico 1cyl mag, 22 teeth on drive gear, pics avail. 701-526-8988 Local honey. 16oz bottles, $10. 32oz, $20. 662-251-5954 or 662-386-3286 2 male sugar gliders (not neutered) approx. 10 months old. $700/ both.

Incl: two cages, treats, bedding, toys, wheel, & accessories. 701-7933475 or 701-799-1409 Wanted Old sheep shearing equipment.

Not necessary to be complete. 701240-0488 Experienced person to format several non-fiction book drafts with possibility of managing the self-publishing process. Generous compensation commensurate with credentials, skills, duties. 701205-7818 Looking for a Harley Davidson touring motorcycle. 701-240-0488

Co-op Connections

Free member exclusive discounts on everyday expenses.

Download the co-op connections app today to start saving.

12 Highline Notes | October 2020 CassCountyElectric.com

s safety Stay safe on the farm Grain dryers

Dress safely and appropriately.

Tie long hair back, and make sure clothing is snug with no strings hanging off garments.

Grain dryers have many moving parts and run at extremely high temperatures, making fire a real possibility. Be sure to wear the proper protective gear and a plan for potential accidents.

Auger – grain bin

Never enter a bin while unloading grain or to break up a grain bridge or chunks that may plug grain flow. Flowing grain will pull you into the grain mass, burying you within seconds. Use “lock-out/ tag-out” procedures to ensure the equipment will not start before entering the bin.

Ladder safety

Ladder accidents are preventable.

Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder to ensure stability. Never attempt to reach for something while on the ladder – get off, move it, and climb up.

Flooding

Watch for flooded roadways. Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Turn around, don’t drown! Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

Overhead lines

Always keep equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines on all sides. Field cultivators and sprayers can often reach as high as 12 feet in the air. Avoid moving large equipment alone. Have someone watch as you move equipment to ensure you are clear of power lines.

Autopilot

While GPS technology can help reduce driver error through automation, it does not mean that safety — including power line safety — can be put on autopilot.

Always set extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads to prevent contact with overhead power lines. Grain augers should CassCountyElectric.com

always be positioned horizontally before being moved.

Hunting

Hunters and other gun owners should not shoot near or toward power lines, power poles, or substations. A stray bullet can damage equipment, be deadly to the shooter, and potentially interrupt electric service to large areas. Electrical equipment is never in season!

Ditch burning

Burns should only be conducted by those who are experienced.

Avoid burning near public roads or airports as this can create a potentially dangerous visibility hazard. Alert all those who may be potentially affected by the burn - including neighbors, the local fire department, and law enforcement. If a pole catches on fire, call the fire department and alert Cass County Electric at 701356-4400.

October 2020 | Highline Notes 13

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.

Bob Miller, Fargo

- 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.

Each monthly winner will receive $50, and our cover photo winner will receive a grand prize of $100. Submissions are accepted until Oct. 12, 2020.

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

14 Highline Notes | October 2020 CassCountyElectric.com

o

food

An autumn drive through the southern Sheyenne River Valley provides breathtaking views of open meadows, tree-lined rolling hills, robust farmland, and thriving pastures. As visitors drive slowly down Main Street in Fort Ransom, a community of 77 residents, they are welcomed by a restaurant with a charming front porch with an eclectic pop of green paint called The Lunchbox Eatery.

Recipe from The Lunchbox Eatery

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

Madalyn gained her experience first-hand working at various establishments, from sushi to fine dining.

This quaint restaurant full of Americana charm serves culinary fare rivaling that of larger cities. The owners prepare everything from a made-from-scratch daily menu, family meals-to-go, craft cocktails, LB Bakery baked goods, as well as provide off-site catering.

This culinary couple brings talent and varied backgrounds to the table to provide an authentic experience to guests. Proprietor Andrew Johnson attended the Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Minneapolis, Minn. After completing his formal education, Andrew worked at various prominent local restaurants in the Fargo-Moorhead area, such as the HoDo and Ushers House. Since an early age, co-proprietor Madalyn could be found in the kitchen, making soups, lasagna, and other family favorites.

Their shared dream of owning a restaurant became a reality in 2016 when they purchased what is now The Lunchbox Eatery. The Johnsons said, “We absolutely love this tiny community and couldn’t imagine raising our children and restaurant anywhere else!”

On top of the accomodating service and the delectable meals provided at The Lunchbox Eatery, this area is home to numerous entrepreneurs who offer services ranging from guided hunting to a newly reopened tubing resort, Thrill Hills.

The Fort Ransom area is a community based on not solely agriculture, but also tourism. Fort Ransom and the surrounding Sheyenne River Valley are hosts to

a state park, numerous hiking and cross-country ski trails, kayaking opportunities, abundant wildlife, picturesque views, snowmobile trails, and North Dakota’s only registered waterfall in the Sheyenne State Forest.

Guests looking for more than a day trip have unique lodging opportunities ranging from yurts to camping to cottage rentals. Events like Sodbuster Days demonstrate early settlers’ farming methods, and the Arts and Crafts Festival, whose purpose is to preserve arts and crafts heritage, cultivate the community’s strong sense of history.

When asked, the Johnsons were happy to share one of their favorite recipes with Cass County Electric members in this month’s Highline Notes issue. If you need more of their fare, this hidden gem in rural North Dakota is worth the drive!

Pepperoni Bread Ingredients

2 1/2 cups warm water 2 Tablespoon yeast 1/2 cup sugar 7 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup room temperature butter 1 Tablespoon salt 1 Tablespoon pepper 1 Tablespoon minced garlic 1 Tablespoon onion powder 1 cup pepperoni

Preparation

Let the warm water, yeast,

and sugar sit for 5 minutes in a bowl. In a stand-up mixer or by hand, mix the water, yeast and sugar mixture with the remaining ingredients and then knead for 5 minutes.

Form into two loaves, place in greased bread pans, or place on greased pan for free-form and let rise until double (about 30 minutes). Bake at 300° for 35-45 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 180°-200°. Enjoy!

CassCountyElectric.com

September October 2020 | Highline Notes 15

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16 Highline Notes | October 2020 CassCountyElectric.com