October Highline Notes 2021

HIGHLINE notes

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

October is National Co-op Month.

October 2021

#PowerOn

Collaborate, innovate, cultivate, repeat, page 4 Board approves district boundary changes, page 6 Meet Director Svenningsen, page 8

CassCountyElectric.com

October 2021 | Highline Notes 1

editorial Co-op Principles

Marshal Albright, Cass County Electric Cooperative president & CEO

modest membership fee to the coop, any farmer could get electricity brought to the farm. Neighbors came together to tackle a problem that they all had but couldn’t solve alone.

They worked together to benefit the whole community, and the newly established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in our community.

While some people may have forgotten the Cooperative’s history, critical parts of that heritage remain––the focus on our mission to serve our members with reliable and affordable electricity. In this, we include everyone to improve the quality of life and economic ACE Hardware, State Farm, CHS, Land opportunity for the entire community.

O’Lakes, and Cass County Electric all Membership is open to everyone in have something in common: we’re all our service territory, regardless of cooperatives. race, religion, age, disability, gender, language, political perspective, or We may be in different industries, socioeconomic status. but we all share a passion for serving our members and helping Democratic Member Control our communities to thrive. All Our co-op is well suited to meet the cooperatives adhere to the same needs of our members because we set of seven principles that reflect are locally governed. Directors are our core values of Integrity, elected among members and are Accountability, Innovation, and accountable to them, and members Commitment to the community. have equal voting rights (one October is National Co-op Month, so member, one vote). Cooperatives are this is the perfect time to reflect on democratic organizations controlled these principles that have stood the by their members, who actively test of time and provide a framework participate in setting policies and for the future. Let’s take a look at making decisions. three of our cooperative principles.

Cass County Electric’s management Voluntary and Open Membership and employees live right here in the Like all co-ops, Cass County Electric community. Our board of directors, was formed out of necessity––to who help set long-term priorities for meet a need that would have been the co-op, also live locally on co-op otherwise unmet in our community. lines. We know our members have So in 1937, a group of farmers a valuable perspective, and that’s and leaders in the Kindred area why we are continually seeking your banded together and organized input and encourage you to weigh our electric co-op so everyone in in on important co-op issues and our community could benefit. For a participate in co-op elections.

2 Highline Notes | October 2021

CassCountyElectric.com

Our close connection to the community ensures we get a firsthand perspective on members’ priorities, enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments, such as equipment and technology upgrades that improve reliability and keep rates affordable.

Mark your calendars to attend one of our member meetings on October 14 in Valley City or October 19 in Fargo.

At the meetings, you will enjoy a free meal and receive updates on cooperative operations. See the back page of this Highline Notes for meeting times and locations.

Members’ Economic Participation Our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our members. But as a co-op, we are also motivated by service to the community rather than profits.

Members contribute equitably to and democratically control the capital of the Cooperative through board governance. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the Cooperative. The board of directors allocate surpluses for co-op programs, initiatives, capital investments, and supporting other activities approved for the membership.

Because the seven cooperative principles guide us, it’s not just about dollars––it’s about an opportunity for all and being fair when engaging with our members. The cooperative way is a values-based business model.

Cass County Electric is a reflection of our local community and its evolving needs. We view our role as a catalyst for good and making our corner of the world a better place.

l

Highline Notes

Content in every issue

10 11 12 13 14 15 save

impact

safety

tech

recipes

ads

Highline Notes Newsletter Statement of Ownership

August 2021 The Cass County Electric Board of Directors met in person on August 31, 2021, and discussed the following topics:

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tues., Oct. 26, 2021.

CassCountyElectric.com

Communications Team: Sara Hand Jocelyn Hovland

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

Board meeting highlights

• Moved to approve the August 2021 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes, monthly department reports, director expense report, 2022 Director Election Announcement, and the August Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA).

• President/CEO Marshal Albright gave the president’s report reporting on updates from the NDAREC Manager’s Group Meeting, US Senate Infrastructure Bill, Union negotiations, conferences attended, and meetings held.

• Moved to approve splitting District 5 into three districts – District 5, District 6, and District 7, and the renumbering of District 6 to District 8.

• Received the July 2021 financial report.

• Received a report from the July and August Minnkota board meetings.

• Received a presentation from our account executive at Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange.

• Discussed the strategic planning retreat held in August.

• Moved to approve the August 2021 capital credit estate payments.

• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

• Moved to approve voting delegates to both the 2021 NRUCFC district meeting and the 2021 RESCO annual meeting.

Volume 79, Number 10

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.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Highline Notes 3312 42nd St. S., Suite 200 Fargo, ND 58104 © Copyright Cass County Electric Cooperative 2021. All rights reserved.

Manager of Communications

Questions: 701-356-4400 800-248-3292 info@kwh.com Call Before You Dig: 800-795-0555 or 811 Cass County Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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

October 2021 | Highline Notes 3

Collaborate, innovate, cultivate, repeat

Fargo-based Grand Farm initiative leverages local, global partners to electrify the future of agriculture Written by: Kaylee Cusack, Communications Specialist, Minnkota Power Cooperative

Dr. William Aderholdt stood at the edge of cropland near Horace, N.D., holding the fruit of many months of field work. It wasn’t a potato or sugar beet – the typical yields of the region – but rather a bright yellow sensor stamped with a Soiltech logo.

and resources they found that will keep them there. The company has begun working directly with American Crystal Sugar and hopes to open an office in Fargo – all from an initial partnership with Aderholdt and his team at Grand Farm.

The pint-sized technology was codeveloped with farmers in Idaho and tested in the heart of the Red River Valley. The unit is planted into the ground at the beginning of the growing season and collects standard data like soil temperature and moisture. However, this device sticks with the crop throughout the supply chain, with an impact sensor that determines inefficiencies in transport and where bruising of potatoes or beets may occur. It remains through the end of the line, giving producers insight into the location and conditions of storage.

“This is the sort of win that we think about when we have this platform people can build on,” said Aderholdt, who directs Grand Farm’s Program Management Office. “To those businesses, this is the best place to be.”

Soiltech Wireless developers were drawn to North Dakota as a product test area because of the market prospects, but it was the connections

These kinds of ag technology innovations are the harvest reaped by the Grand Farm ecosystem of growers, researchers, developers and entrepreneurs. Grand Farm is a nonprofit initiative powered by the Emerging Prairie entrepreneurial hub in Fargo. Its mission is to help agriculture startups come together to build the farm of the future, creating industry leadership in ag autonomy, data visualization, soil and crop health, public policy and more.

4 Highline Notes | October 2021

CassCountyElectric.com

On July 22, Grand Farm organizers invited community and industry leaders, tech investors, policymakers and the general public to its Innovation Site just south of Fargo, N.D. More than 70 attendees turned out for the North Dakota Innovation Acceleration Day event, one of dozens of gatherings and conferences hosted by the program each year.

The agenda showcased the potential of Grand Farm, moving from tech demonstrations and test plot tours to startup funding and investment opportunities.

“At Grand Farm, we really believe in innovation through collaboration,” Grand Farms Ecosystems Director Andrew Jason told the crowd, kicking off the day with a backdrop of sunflowers and soybeans. “We aim to be the facilitator that brings people together to solve the big problems in agriculture. And I think today is a prime example of the power of our partners.”

Pillars for progress Grand Farm was born in 2019 with a five-pillar vision to enhance agriculture in the Midwest and, ultimately, around the world. The vision starts with bringing innovators and motion-makers together – the ecosystem developed with events like Innovation Acceleration Day. From there, Grand Farm helps entities through an “innovation platform,” or system of collaborative projects and resources.

“The third pillar is the test site itself, a place where people can come, they can learn, they can experience and see what the future of agriculture will look like and what their role could be in that,” explained Grand Farm Director Brian Carroll as he walked through a test plot of corn. He continued on to describe the fourth Grand Farm pillar, upskilling the workforce – a goal realized through the development of a software coding program that has already graduated five cohorts, most of whom are filling the gap of technology-trained workers needed for the flood of new positions within many of the ag startups in Grand Farm’s ecosystem.

Carroll says that before entry-level enrollees begin the program, they are making an average of $20,000 a year.

After their 20-week training, they are making an average of $55,000 a year.

“A big part of the Grand Farm is understanding what the workforce development is, and creating those capabilities so that people can come in and work on the farm,” Carroll said.

The final pillar of public-private partnerships is where all elements come together to impact the future of agriculture, using the resources of Grand Farm as a platform for partners to try new things, in a lowrisk test environment, to better inform tomorrow’s public policy. “What we want to do is energize communities.

We want people to be excited about agriculture here, within this region,” Carroll said. “And how we’ll measure our success is by how many partners we build.”

If partners are the indication, Grand Farm’s success is off the charts. The program started with three partners in 2019, grew to nine partners in 2020, and has already ballooned to more than 50 partners in 2021. The directors hope to have 100 by the end of this year, joining partner powerhouses like CHS, Microsoft, and North Dakota State University in working on research and development projects collaboratively. Grand Farm facilitated 41 projects in 2020 and already has more than 300 projects active in 2021.

To host more and more projects, the test sites have expanded from 40 acres to 140 acres, and demand is growing.

“The one common thing that all of our partners talk about is the need for more space,” Carroll said, and then pointed to the large, white event tent across the field. “Eventually we want to replace that tent with a makerspace, a conference center, a place where corporations, educators, and organizations can come together to meet and collide, but also work on things that lead to a common purpose.”

Growth in a new world The COVID pandemic created endless challenges for businesses and developers, but it also bloomed opportunity and renewed determination for Grand Farm.

Aderholdt says a key set of 2020 projects was almost halted until 2021, but the pioneering drive of their partners was more voracious than the virus.

“They said, ‘We have to get out there.

In fact, we’re going to do MORE than expected,’” Aderholdt said, recalling one conversation. “The idea was that they were going to be future-looking, to help people not so much focus on the problems of the present, but into the future.”

worldwide. Grand Farm quickly became an international talking point, and companies from around the globe are still reaching out daily to ask how they can get involved, start a project or participate in an event.

The Grand Farm ecosystem has gone global, but the heart of the hub remains in the region, and that was evident in the conversations happening during Innovation Acceleration Day. “The Grand Farm concept has gone from a dream to real possibilities,” said event attendee Marshal Albright, president and CEO of Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC). “It has created an entrepreneurial buzz that will inspire innovation because of the opportunities and strong support from our local communities and state programs.”

CCEC assisted Grand Farm in bringing electricity to the test site, and Carroll says he sees the cooperative model as a design element of Grand Farm.

“That’s just what we have done here in rural areas in order to organize and face common challenges. So that’s what the Grand Farm is at its essence,” he said, acknowledging that power needs will be a major discussion point in designing the more electrified farm, and community, of the next generation.

“If we’re looking at the growth of rural communities, it’s not just about the farms – it’s the education systems, the health care systems and all the things that need to come in to support that growth. I think energy is a big piece of that,” Aderholdt added. “If you look at any sort of electric vehicles or tractors that are coming up on the farms … all of those are extremely dependent on a stable and reliable electric grid.”

🌱

Before COVID hit, around 90% of Grand Farm’s efforts were local. When virtual meetings became common, it became easier for directors to communicate with innovators CassCountyElectric.com

October 2021 | Highline Notes 5

Directors approve boundary changes and district renumbering The Board of Directors recently revised director district boundaries, split District 5 into three separate districts, expanded District 4 and renumbered former District 6 to District 8. For more information on the district boundaries, or to view the full district map, please visit: CassCountyElectric.com.

Map Legend Red solid line represents former District 5

Updated District 4

Not Cass County Electric service territory

New District 5

Former District 6, renumbered to District 8

District 6

*District 9 is an at-large position

6 Highline Notes | October 2021

District 7

CassCountyElectric.com

CCEC DIRECTOR ELECTIONS

CO-OP YOUTH TOUR WIN AN ALL-INCLUSIVE TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

JUNE 19-24, 2022 If you are a Cass County Electric Cooperative member and are interested in becoming a director, contact Karen Egeberg at 701-356-4405 for a 2022 director election petition packet. Return petition to the cooperative by Jan. 5, 2022.

Please submit your essay

Directors up for election are currently serving in the following districts:

If chosen as a Youth Tour delegate,

District 1 Marcy Svenningsen (I) Valley City District 6 Glenn Mitzel (I) West Fargo

addressing the following question: you will be traveling to Washington, D.C., with the co-op representatives from across North Dakota to

District 8 Kalvin Hoff (I) Fargo

Directors are elected by ballot for a threeyear term.

Nominees in Districts 1, 6, and 8 must be bona fide residents of the director district in which they are seeking directorship.

The board of directors recently revised director district boundaries, split District 5 into three separate districts, expanded District 4 and renumbered former District 6 to District 8. For more information on the district boundaries, please visit: CassCountyElectric.com.

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 forwarded to a Credentialing Committee. The Credentialing Committee may require candidates to provide and verify additional information deemed relevant. (CCEC Bylaws can be found at CassCountyElectric. com; a written copy is available upon request.)

experience and learn about America’s rich history. What moment in American history do you wish you had been a part of and what would you have contributed?

The quality of work is more important than the quantity.

Submit entries by Dec. 1, 2021 at casscountyelectric.com/youthtour.

• You must be a sophomore or junior in high school.

• Your parent(s) or guardian(s) must be served by Cass County Electric.

• Contact us at 701-356-4400 or ccec@kwh.com with questions.

CassCountyElectric.com

October 2021 | Highline Notes 7

director Marcy Svenningsen District: District 1 (Valley City, ND)

Describe yourself in three words: Honest. Motivated. Organized.

Hometown: Valley City, ND

What motivates you?

Helping others by solving problems.

Education: AA in Accounting from Valley City State University

What is your dream job?

Being an advocate for others.

Career/profession: Finance Director at Open Door Center for 38 years

What advice have you received that was the most impactful?

Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

Years of service: Elected in 2012 (9 years) Co-op board positions held: Board Chair Treasurer Training completed: NRECA Credentialed Cooperative Director NRECA Board Leadership Certificate

8 Highline Notes | October 2021

What do you feel is the biggest strength of CCEC right now?

Our employees who are dedicated to providing great service to the member-owners.

What is your favorite part about being a CCEC director?

Having the ability to influence decisions that will have an impact on the members-owners, and realizing how important it is to be part of the education and conversation when it comes to the issues that impact the membership.

CassCountyElectric.com

It typically goes something like this: A member, receives a call from someone claiming to be with Cass County Electric Cooperative. The caller tells the member they have a past-due bill that needs to be paid immediately, or power will be disconnected.

Sometimes the caller instructs the member to purchase a prepaid debit or credit card and share the card information for payment.

Welcome CCEC employee:

Paul Imhof

Power Control Technician

These incoming calls might be displayed as local numbers. It’s possible that they might even display Cass County Electric’s actual phone number.

There have even been reports of those numbers mimicking Interactive Voice Response systems, making it seem even more like the caller is a legitimate representative if you hang up and call back. Sadly, this is all part of an effort to steal your money and financial information.

What is your current favorite song?

All Your’n by Tyler Childers

These calls are from scammers, and unfortunately, they’re relatively common. They use technology to try to fool you and often work at scamming customers of multiple different utilities at once.

Their threats of disconnection can be scary, but keeping a few things in mind can save you from becoming a scam victim.

What’s your dream vacation?

A hunting trip to Alaska.

Disconnection is an unfortunate part of the business for utilities, but Cass County Electric will never disconnect an account without first issuing several notices. We’ll never call you and threaten disconnection without immediate payment or request prepaid card information, either. You’ll be provided prior notice and an adequate timeline to make payment arrangements before power is ever shut off, should it come to that.

If you even suspect that you may be on the phone with a scammer, we encourage you not to share personal information and hang up. Call our offices at 701-356-4400 and tell us about the call. We’ll be able to confirm if you were speaking with a scammer.

Stay smart and stay safe!

What’s your favorite food?

Any sort of BBQ, brisket, or ribs to name a few.

What are your interests/hobbies?

Spending time at the lake with my family, hunting, and fishing.

What’s your favorite season and why?

Fall. I enjoy spending time at my hunting cabin with family and friends.

If you won the lottery, what is the first purchase you would make?

A lake cabin.

If you could travel back in time, what time period would you go to and why?

I would go back to the ‘60s-’70s so I could spend some time with my grandpa who worked for North Star Electric Cooperative.

Tell us about your family and/or pets.

I’ve been married to my wife Danielle for three years.

We have a one-year-old son named Wells. We also have a German Wirehair dog named Echo.

What is your background or career experience?

I’ve spent the last eight years as a journeyman electrician running various jobs.

CassCountyElectric.com

October 2021 | Highline Notes 9

save

It’s no secret—as temperatures drop, heating bills rise. In this part of the country, it takes a lot of energy to survive, especially during the winter. When demand for energy rises, utilities like Cass County Electric use load control with enrolled members to help manage energy supply.

Q: I don’t have primary electric heat, so why is my bill higher in the winter?

A: Even if you have a gas furnace, your furnace fan motor will still impact your winter electric bills. Primary heat makes up a big chunk of winter energy use, but many secondary heating sources are electric as well.

Are you using a block heater for your vehicle? A space heater in a particular room? Do you have garage or floor heating? Livestock water heaters? You might have these items on in the winter even if you don’t have electric heat in your home.

In North Dakota, it can be dark for up to 15.5 hours a day during the winter. In addition to using energy to heat our homes, we also use energy to light our homes longer. Combine these factors with the extra company and activities of the holidays and the result will likely be a higher electric bill.

Q: Why did you switch me to off-peak when it’s not even below zero outside?

A: Load is controlled when there’s high demand for electricity. There’s certainly higher demand when

temperatures are extreme, but that isn’t the only factor.

If there’s low wind generation or a power plant is offline for any reason, load control may be used to reduce the need to resort to the volatile prices of the energy market. In any event, load control is intended to maintain both reliable service and affordable prices for all members. If you have dual-heat, make sure you always have an adequate supply of backup fuel.

Q: My water heater is on off-peak, but why isn’t it working now?

A: Call us BEFORE calling your contractor! It’s possible that your system is working just fine but is currently being controlled. Don’t get stuck with an unnecessary bill from a contractor.

Don’t forget that you can view load control status and forecasts at CassCountyElectric.com. You can also receive load control text and email notifications by calling 701-356-4400 and speaking with the energy management department.

10 Highline Notes | October 2021 CassCountyElectric.com

impact

Operation Round Up Cass County Electric Cooperative Foundation

Cass County Electric Cooperative members that round their bills up, and employees that round down their paychecks, have raised more than $3.5 million for local nonprofit organizations. These funds benefit members within Cass County Electric Cooperative’s service area. If your nonprofit organization is interested in applying for funds, please visit CassCountyElectric.com/oru.

September 2021

Applications reviewed Organization 16 Individual 1 Emergency 0 Applications approved Organization 14 $69,200 Individual 1 $2,000 Emergency 0 $0 Applications denied 0 Applications tabled 2 2021 Year-to-date summary Per member average contribution $3.85 Average member participation 82.2% Total income $153,946 (Includes contributions, interest earned, and donations/memorials.)

Applications approved

40

Featured recipient: Memory Café of the Red River Valley The mission of Memory Café of the Red River Valley is to provide empowerment, hope, and joy to people living with mild to moderate memory loss and their care partners through education, socialization, and the creative arts. Memory Café is a free social gathering located in Fargo, North Dakota, where people experiencing mild to moderate memory loss, and their care partners, come together in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. Memory Cafe is committed to reminding the participants they are valued, significant members of our local community by changing how people think about memory loss.

CassCountyElectric.com

October 2021 | Highline Notes 11

safety Look up for hazards on the farm Overhead power lines are necessary to deliver electricity to hardworking farmers and ranchers, but those same power lines can also be deadly if not treated with respect. While you need to focus on the field and your machinery, Cass County Electric Cooperative urges you to also watch for electrical hazards around the farm or ranch.

Be aware • Be aware of overhead power lines and keep equipment and extensions far away from them.

• 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.

• Use care when raising augers or the bed of a grain truck. It can be difficult to estimate distance, and a power line may be closer than it looks.

• Before moving or transporting equipment extensions, portable augers, or elevators, ensure they are lowered to their lowest possible level.

Use a spotter • Avoid moving large equipment alone. Have someone watch as you move equipment to ensure you are clear of power lines.

• When raising or lowering equipment, it is difficult to estimate distance. Use a spotter to make sure you stay far away from power lines.

Realize things change • If you have purchased new equipment, be aware of antennas or other attachments that may pose new hazards.

A newer, larger piece of equipment may no longer clear a line. In addition, shifting soil may also affect whether or not machinery avoids power lines from year to year.

• Wind, uneven ground, shifting weight, or other conditions can cause you to lose control of equipment and make contact with power lines.

• Power lines may sag over the years. If power lines on your property are sagging, contact Cass County Electric to repair the lines. Never try to move a power line on your own.

12 Highline Notes | October 2021 CassCountyElectric.com

Educate the crew • Look over work areas carefully for overhead power lines and utility poles. Make sure you, your family, and employees know the location of overhead power lines and use routes to avoid the lines when moving equipment. Do this every year, as equipment sizes and soil conditions may change.

Look around • Overhead power lines are not the only electric hazard on the farm. Pole guy wires, used to stabilize utility poles, are grounded. However, when one of the guy wires is broken, it can become charged with electricity. If you break a guy wire, call the Cass County Electric to fix it. Don’t do it yourself.

Hire professionals •Contract qualified electricians for work on drying equipment and other farm electrical systems.

tech

Electrifying agriculture: Red River Valley could be hot spot for electric tractor growth Each harvest season in the Red River Valley is ushered in by the steady rumble of diesel tractors. But experts believe the future of this frenzied time on the farm may soon be reduced to a gentle hum.

The low-noise operation of electric tractors could bring a stillness back to the prairie, along with benefits to farmers and ranchers ranging from cost and maintenance savings to lower emission levels. Several major manufacturers, including John Deere, have invested substantial resources into electric tractor development and are expected to have commercially available models within a few years.

What does it mean for members in Cass County Electric Cooperative’s service area? Research from EnSave and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) indicates that eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota are among the best areas in the country to advance electric tractor technology.

One of the first all-electric models to emerge in fields this fall is the Monarch. Starting at $58,000, this small electric tractor has a 55-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery (70 horsepower) and can operate for more than 10 hours. Larger tractors are also in the works, most notably John Deere’s Sustainable Energy Supply for Agricultural Machinery (SESAM) tractor, which features a maximum output of 400 horsepower from a 150-kW battery and can operate for about four hours. The SESAM can perform typical mixed mode operations, with a recharge time of around three hours.

Although initial capital costs are expected to be higher, farmers and ranchers will see substantial operational savings because electric tractors don’t require regular oil changes, part replacements or tune-ups. Electric tractors can also be placed on our off-peak program, which provides a lower electric rate

for charging during overnight hours and other times when there is less demand for electricity. The 150-kW John Deere SESAM battery could be fully charged on an average off-peak rate for about $10.

In addition to tractors, electrification of utility task vehicles (UTVs), skid steers, robotic feeders and other equipment has the potential to provide financial and environmental benefits for the region’s growers.

“There are increasing opportunities for beneficial electrification on farms,” Dennis said. “From pumping water, to moving materials, to heating spaces, almost anything that can be done with direct combustion of fuel has the potential to be electrified as technology develops. While some folks associate electrification with electric cars, there are many off-road vehicles that can be electrified.”

🌱

“The vast amounts of harvested cropland in the Red River Valley creates great potential for electrification of tractors,” said Keith Dennis, NRECA’s vice president of consumer member engagement.

“As batteries continue to be lower in price and more widely available, there will be more and more opportunities to save money and increase performance by switching to electric technology in a wide variety of applications.”

CassCountyElectric.com

October 2021 | Highline Notes 13

food Fall comfort food

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

Lura Ranch Chili

Cornbread

Ingredients

Ingredients

1 pound hamburger; seasoned, fried & drained 1 pound Jimmy Dean sausage, fried & drained 1 large red onion, chopped 2 green peppers, chopped 3 jalapeños, deseeded & chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 family size tomato soup 2 cans tomato sauce 1 can diced tomatoes, drained or equivalent chopped fresh 1 can kidney beans, rinsed & drained 1 can pinto beans, rinsed & drained 1 can black beans, rinsed & drained 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon pepper

Preparation

Turn the crockpot on low, toss all the ingredients in, and forget about it for at least 5 hours. Top with finely shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.

1 1/4 cup milk 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 large eggs 1/4 cup oil 2/3 cup cornmeal 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 2/3 cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350° F, cover 9x13” pan with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, whisk the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together.

Whisk the milk, melted butter, eggs, and oil together. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry and stir together until combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, and bake for 40 minutes, or until fluffy and slightly golden around the edges (insert a toothpick to the center – if it comes out clean it is ready). Let cool, slice, and serve.

14 Highline Notes | October 2021 CassCountyElectric.com

d

ads

Decades of value

Member market

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 first-received, 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: 56 Ford Fairlane Car Classic, great cond.

701-430-1531 Set of 4 Pirelli Sport tires, PZERO NERO all season P235/50 ZR 18 97W, $25/ea.

701-570-7018 Beton plastic figures are antiques.

Manufactured in 1938 & out of business in 1958, exquisite little soldiers, cowboys, Indians, animals, & civilian figures for collectors. 701-799-4677 Newly built 8’ x 12’ wood storage shed w/16” center studs & rafters, pine paneling siding, gabel roof, door opening 56”W x 69”H. $2,750. 701-8405438 or 701-749-2619 New women’s Cleveland graphiteshafted 56 degree wedge, model RTX-3 V-MG; $85. Noritake Veranda China. 10” dinner plates, 14” oval serving platter, 9” vegetable serving dish & more. 218-2347676 Old barn wood, for cleaning & using for whatever your heart desires. Samples avail. Used to be a Fourier barn.

701-361-5040 1998 Lincoln Continental, 115K mi., front wheel drive, very good cond., always garaged. $4,700. 701-240-0488 Antiques: Robinson-Ransbottom 20gal. crock (early 1900s), $225; Lakeside Foundry “Sun295” cast iron laundry stove (early 1900s), $200; Grade school desk w/attached swivel seat (1950s), $125. All items in exc. cond. Pics avail.

217-549-7846 Crucifix, $20. Bookshelf, $25. Walker, new, $40. 701-866-0218 MIHC w/loader & snow scoops; SC Case tractor w/mounted 2 row cultivator; plants for VAC, SC & D Case.

701-845-4303 4 boxes trophy grade nosler 6.5-284

Bacon

1937... $0.38 per pound 2021... $4.84 per pound Increase... 13x

Norma. 120 grain Boat Tail. All for $160 cash. 701-437-3259 Beautiful round dining table & 4 Windsor back chairs, light oak, exc. cond. $280; Recliner- clean good condition $25; Nice rocking chair (for smaller person) $35; Wood end table & coffee table $20 each, bookcase $20.

701-200-9194 Construction items: Safety Boot by Safety Maker, used to anchor posts for temporary railing on job sites, 26 available, $10/ea. Box of 26 new temporary vent covers to keep debris out of duct work during construction, $25. 701-261-4632 Wood Planer 400mm/15” comes w/a stand on wheels. Don’t use it anymore.

Asking $240. 701-429-0286 RV5 10” extended king pin kit, purchased new but did not install on 5th wheel camper, plans changed.

New in box. 701-566-1356 Leather couch and matching leather chair in wonderful cond., $300.

701-367-8263 2021 local raw honey: 8oz, 16oz, 20oz & 32oz while supplies last - $5, $10, $12 & $20 respectively. Homemade Nanking Cherry jelly and plum jam - ask for details. Colfax, ND. 662-251-5954 or 662-386-3286 ProCom Vent free gas fireplace insert.

Never used. Make offer. 701-845-3020 Used pool table, Best Offer. Was dismantled to move & never put together, new green top. One broke piece but fixable. Leonard Senior Citizens building. You pick up.

701-261-7303 Wanted: Volkswagen Van (Bus), parts, engines, accessories. Any cond. Looking for old single wheel trailers. 701-219-5847 CassCountyElectric.com

Electricity

1937... 5¢/kwh 2021... 11¢/kwh Increase... 2x

Affordable, reliable electricity is something you can count on as a cooperative member.

While the cost of everyday items has increased, the cost of electricity has remained a powerful value.

October 2021 | Highline Notes 15

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

MEMBER MEETINGS OCT. 14, 2021 - 5:30 P.M. • EAGLES CLUB • 345 12TH AVE NE, VALLEY CITY OCT. 19, 2021 - 5:30 P.M. • HILTON GARDEN INN • 4351 17TH AVE S, FARGO

HEAR FROM COOPERATIVE LEADERSHIP AS WE DISCUSS IMPORTANT COOPERATIVE INFORMATION WHILE ENJOYING A DELICIOUS MEAL AND CATCHING UP WITH FRIENDS. 16 Highline Notes | October 2021 CassCountyElectric.com