February Highline Notes 2022

HIGHLINE notes February 2022

Lighting up the community, page 4 Let’s beat the peak together, page 6 Meet director Triebold, page 8

CassCountyElectric.com

February 2022 | Highline Notes 1

editorial Federal Policy Update

Marshal Albright, Cass County Electric Cooperative president & CEO Grid modernization - $23 billion The package offers $5 billion in grid resiliency grants to harden the grid from disruptive weather events, with additional funding The following is a list of funding for replacing transformers with more efficient transformers, smart opportunities summarized by grid investment grants to improve NRECA: National broadband deployment - reliability, wildfire mitigation, flood mitigation, $2.5 billion for additional $65 billion transmission lines, $5 billion grid The focus of the funding is for R&D for hardening and resilience. states to issue grants to expand broadband (high-speed internet) to rural areas of the country. Thanks Clean Energy to our rural telecommunication Carbon capture, utilization, and cooperatives in North Dakota, most storage of our rural areas already have The federal government access to high-speed internet. understands the need to utilize carbon capture and storage on Electric vehicles fossil fuel generation sources to EV charging infrastructure provide grid reliability. $3.5 billion is funding provides $7.5 billion to included in the package to support states to expand the EV charging carbon capture. infrastructure. As well as $2.5 billion for electric school bus funding to An additional $5 billion if proposed support zero-emission buses. for CO2 pipelines to transport carbon capture and storage to Physical and cyber security areas where the geology is ideal $250 million would be used (like in western North Dakota) for to encourage cybersecurity underground permanent CO2 investments to detect, respond to storage. and recover from cyber security threats for electric cooperatives. months, agencies like the DOE, USDA, and FCC will outline the programs available for electric cooperatives.

Electric cooperatives across the nation will benefit from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) worked with lawmakers to include significant investment and funding opportunities related to infrastructure projects for electric cooperatives.

Although the details of applying for funding have not been written, the money has been allocated.

Throughout the next several

Co-op Connections

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

2 Highline Notes | February 2022

CassCountyElectric.com

l

Highline Notes

Content in every issue

9

save

10 12 13 14 15

impact

safety

tech

Editorial continued Energy storage The package contains $355 million for energy storage demonstration projects and $150 million for long-duration energy storage.

Buildings Approximately $500 million is allocated in energy efficiency grants to schools for repairs or renovations to reduce energy costs, improve health, install zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and purchase zero-emission vehicles.

Nuclear The Department of Energy would see $6 billion to support nuclear reactors in competitive electricity markets at risk of closure due to economic factors.

If the United States is serious about grid reliability and zero-emission power sources, nuclear energy must play an expanded role in our future.

Hydropower The package allots $750 million to improve or upgrade existing dams to ensure long-term operation.

Over the next decade, billions will be invested in energy infrastructure, which is good for America.

Our national political landscape is currently in flux as we focus on future energy supply. We are dealt with a somewhat dysfunctional congress with extremes in both parties driving the agenda.

The disfunction and inability to draft meaningful energy policy will likely lead to rules established by the executive branch through agencies like the EPA. For example, the EPA proposed regulations over the past two administrations. The Clean Power Plan rules were overturned by the Supreme Court, deeming the EPA overstepped its authority on carbon regulation.

We will continue to monitor the federal energy regulatory agenda as new regulations on the power industry could significantly impact your cost of electricity. Fortunately, any new regulation will take years to implement. In the meantime, Cass County Electric and Minnkota Power Cooperative will do their best to keep your electricity affordable and reliable.

recipes

ads

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS DECEMBER 2021 The Cass County Electric Board of Directors met in person on Dec. 21, 2021, and discussed the following topics: • Moved to approve the December 2021 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes, monthly department reports, director expense report, and the November Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA).

• President/CEO Marshal Albright gave the president’s report reporting on updates from meetings and conferences attended.

• President/CEO Albright gave a presentation of the 2022 business plan.

• Received the November 2021 financial report.

• Received the 2022-2023 budget presentation and moved to approve the 2022-2023 budget.

• Received presentations by representatives from Minnkota Power Cooperative.

• Received reports from the Minnkota Power Cooperative and Square Butte Electric Cooperative board meetings.

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

• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022.

CassCountyElectric.com

Volume 80, Number 2

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 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 2022. All rights reserved.

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.

February 2022 | Highline Notes 3

Lighting up the community West Fargo Events and Cass County Electric Cooperative partner to energize neighborhoods Written by: Kaylee Cusack, Communications Specialist, Minnkota Power Cooperative With afternoon highs hovering around the 32-degree mark in West Fargo, the outdoor ice rink of Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights was packed on Dec. 12, 2021. It could have been the weather that pulled people to the ice, but the free skate rentals and hot chocolate certainly didn’t hurt.

This open skate experience was ignited by a collaboration between West Fargo Events (WFE) and Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) as a way to energize families in the region. It’s a mission that the organizations share, and they’re able to double their power by working together.

“There’s a connectedness there,” said WFE executive director Mike Amundson. “Sure, they are our

power supplier, but it’s more than that. It’s the partnership to be able to get the word out that we’re doing things for the community together.”

Skating nights are just a small piece of the community culture orchestrated by WFE and its partners. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was formed out of necessity when West Fargo Public Schools built the West Fargo Sports Arena in 2017. West Fargo city, school, parks and community leaders knew additional public spaces were on the horizon, and they would need a way to manage all of those nontraditional venues.

They formed the nonprofit as a way to get it done with shared resources.

4 Highline Notes | February 2022

CassCountyElectric.com

“But what we grew into is a community placemaking type of organization,” Amundson explained. “When The Lights opened up, we really got into programming with our Family Fun Nights and our Family Movie Nights, and eventually concerts came into the fold. We went from a nonprofit that acted somewhat like a management company on behalf of public entities to something much greater.”

The Lights – a mixed-use commercial, residential, and events complex developed by EPIC Companies and the City of West Fargo – was constructed shortly after the WF Sports Arena, within the arena’s real estate footprint.

The Lights offers an open-air entertainment space (Essentia

Health Plaza) for family events and concerts in the summer. In the winter, the space transforms into a public ice rink. In its first season in 2020-2021, the rink attracted 30,000 skaters in just over 12 weeks. The rate of use exploded this winter, with more than 12,500 people using the rink in December 2021 alone.

“The community reception is something really fun to be a part of,” Amundson said. “And it’s not slowing down. It’s wild.”

Working together Amundson is responsible for keeping the plaza and neighboring sports arena programmed, safe and accessible to all. He’s also in charge of keeping the “lights on” with help from his team at the electric co-op.

CCEC business accounts manager Chad Brousseau recalled his first time meeting Amundson at the arena.

“He was wondering how they could better manage their utility costs over there,” Brousseau said. “We sat down and looked at the MDMS (meter data management system) data and identified times when both chillers were operational and set their peak demand for the month. It was an opportunity to save.”

“Hockey rinks don’t happen without chillers,” Amundson said, adding that the outdoor rink also includes a large chiller system. He was able to incorporate heat recovery, demand management and smart scheduling into his energy planning to reduce overall usage between rinks. Brousseau and Amundson have already chatted about efficiency ideas for projects to come.

“Mike knows who to call,” Brousseau said with a smile. “And it’s been a two-way street with us, with the sponsored events they’ve helped us with. If we want to pull something off, we just say, ‘Let’s call Mike.’”

CCEC and WFE worked together to execute several outdoor events in 2021 as the community sought out safer opportunities for interaction in the wake of COVID. In addition to their open skate event, CCEC sponsored a free outdoor showing of Despicable Me, artand campout-themed family fun nights, and a community picnic – all hosted in the plaza of The Lights.

The two organizations are already planning another docket of free family events throughout 2022.

CassCountyElectric.com

With the help of its business and civic partners, WFE successfully organized 120 events last summer – well beyond initial plans.

The number of full-time WFE employees has grown from 2 to 11 over five short years, and staff continues to field new inquiries from entities that want to get involved in vitalizing the region.

“When the community got a taste of what we could do, and we kept adding a little bit more and a little bit more, before you know it, that snowball got monstrous and started rolling down the hill,” Amundson said, a hint of awe in his voice. “It’s not what we thought we were building. It morphed into way more. And it’s been really cool and fun. We wouldn’t change anything about it.”

If you would like to support the efforts of WFE, consider donating to the nonprofit on Giving Hearts Day (Feb. 10) to have your donation matched. To find out more, visit GivingHeartsDay.org. For information on events happening at The Lights and in West Fargo, visit westfargoevents.com and follow West Fargo Events on social media.

February 2022 | Highline Notes 5

Let’s beat the peak together CCEC launches pilot program to help members save money As a Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) member, you know how to make smart energy choices that help you save money.

But did you know that when you use electricity can be just as important as how much you use?

Throughout the day, energy use fluctuates based on consumer demand. On CCEC’s system, most households use more significant amounts of electricity in the morning when most people are getting ready for their day, and in the evenings, people return from work, cook dinner, wash clothes, and watch television.

These times when people in our community are using more electricity simultaneously are called “peak” hours. The cost for CCEC to provide power is higher because of the additional demand for electricity.

By shifting some of your energy use to hours when demand is lower, also known as off-peak hours, you can help keep rates lower for you and your fellow members.

There are many ways to save energy and money by making minor adjustments to your daily routine. Here are a few easy ways you can shift energy use to offpeak hours: • Adjust your thermostat. Lower the thermostat a few degrees during peak hours during the winter months.

• Wash full loads of clothes in cold water during off-peak hours.

• Run the dishwasher right before you go to bed, or airdry dishes by opening the dishwasher instead of using the heated dry cycle.

• Turn off lights and electronics

6 Highline Notes | February 2022

CassCountyElectric.com

when not in use. (Try to make this a daily habit, whether during peak or off-peak hours.)

CCEC is currently seeking volunteers interested in participating in a Time-of-Day rate pilot project. Participants would receive on-peak and offpeak pricing for energy consumed during different hours of the day.

• On-peak - Monday through Friday 6-9 AM and 5-8 PM at $.222 per kWh • Off-peak - All other hours at $.052/kWh • The current electric rate is $.089/kWh Ideal candidates currently do not participate in our off-peak program. Contact Todd at 701-356-4400 if you have questions about the program.

director Jeff Triebold Hometown: Farm near Valley City

Co-op board positions held: • Vice Chair • Treasurer • Representative to NDAREC board

Education: A.S. Degree in Ag Business at NDSCS

Training completed: • NRECA Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate

Career/profession: Agriculture Business Consultant

Describe yourself in three words.

Busy. Hardworking. Reliable.

Years of service: Elected in 2008 (nearly 14 years)

What motivates you?

Completing a job or task and feeling a sense of accomplishment in my work.

District: District 4 (Fargo)

CassCountyElectric.com

What is your dream job?

Not working – being with my family.

What advice have you received that was the most impactful?

Work hard.

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

The employees and leadership.

What is your favorite part about being a CCEC director?

Making CCEC a better, stronger cooperative for current and future members.

February 2022 | Highline Notes 7

The value of an air-source heat pump home and moves it outside. When it’s cold outside, it works in reverse, pulling the heat from the outdoor air and transferring it inside.

When it’s too cold to pull enough heat out of the chilly air – or if you’re a part of CCEC’s offpeak program – the system can easily switch to a backup energy source, maintaining comfort and efficiency.

Half of your home’s energy use flows to heating and cooling, so why not make the process as efficient, affordable and responsible as possible? Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) can help!

If you’re replacing your system or building new, an air-source heat pump (ASHP) offers the perfect balance of comfort and savings, both in the hot summer and the frozen winter. The technology has advanced rapidly and is now powerful enough for our weather here in North Dakota.

What do I save?

The off-peak program allows you to receive a reduced electricity rate, close to half of the standard rate. Plus, CCEC offers large rebates on ASHP equipment. In addition to saving money, an ASHP will also help you limit your use of propane or natural gas, protecting you from volatile pricing and shortages.

How does it work?

The equipment functions just like an air conditioner, but uses the reverse process to warm your home when it’s cold. It’s a heating system and A/C in one, reliably powered by electricity. A heat pump is so efficient because it doesn’t generate heat – it simply transfers existing heat where you want it.

You’ll ultimately consume less, save more and electrify your future. That’s the value of an airsource heat pump.

The mechanics of an ASHP are innovative but the process is simple. When it’s warm outside, the heat pump pulls the warm air out of your

If you want to learn how CCEC can help you save with an ASHP, call us at 701-356-4400 or visit CassCountyElectric.com.

See the video at

ValueofElectricity.com

8 Highline Notes | February 2022

CassCountyElectric.com

save Keep the heat in

As a cooperative, we are owned by the members we serve, and unlike investor-owned utility companies, we promote saving energy to help you save money!

Whether you are a lifelong North Dakota resident or a recent occupant, sometimes it seems that wintertime is an endless battle with Mother Nature. If you are looking for a way to lower your winter heating costs and keep your home warmer and more comfortable, you might want to think about how exhaust fans can impact your efforts.

Exhaust fans are a key part of your home’s ventilation system and using them properly could help lower your winter heating costs.

Exhaust fans remove unwanted moisture from the room and send it outside. The exhaust duct should only operate as a one-way traffic route. However, cold winter weather may creep in the wrong way, causing heat loss.

Your home’s exhaust fans provide

some pretty important functions. In kitchens, they help rid the room of smoke, oil, and particularly strong odors. Your kitchen exhaust also has the duty of carrying the steam from your pots of boiling water away, which is vital to protecting the walls and ceiling near your stove from moisture damage.

In the bathroom, the exhaust fan serves as a prime function for mold and mildew prevention. Its main job is to remove the moist air from the room after a hot shower or bath, thereby making it harder for mold or mildew to thrive and protecting your walls from moisture damage.

Though more modern exhaust fans feature timers or heaters to limit heat loss, many homes still have regular fans. Even with a standard exhaust fan, however, it’s possible

CassCountyElectric.com

to minimize heat loss without purchasing an expensive fan.

Here are some of the steps you can take to prevent heat loss: • Insulate exhaust pipes that go through the attic from a second story or top floor to prevent heat loss.

• Ensure your exhaust fans have a backdraft damper installed at the location of the exhaust duct’s exit either on an exterior wall or the roof.

• Regularly check dampers for broken pieces and flaps, especially after a serious storm.

• If you notice a cold spot near an exhaust fan despite a lack of damaged parts, you may wish to consider installing a higher quality system.

• Consider swapping in a timer switch in the bathrooms.

February 2022 | Highline Notes 9

Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) is an electric cooperative built by the communities we serve to deliver reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy. And, because we answer to local members like you, rather than out-of-town shareholders, our electric cooperative has a unique understanding of our local needs.

We continue finding new ways to make a difference beyond delivering electricity as a local business staffed by your friends and neighbors.

Roughly a quarter of CCEC’s annual nonprofit giving takes place on Giving Hearts Day each year. CCEC is proud to announce that we will participate in The Giving Hearts Day Employee Match Program for the first time. Starting in 2022, a portion of the dollars spent will be earmarked to match funds for Giving Hearts Day gifts up to $50 per employee. This match stipulates that the organization is a Giving Hearts Day charity participant and provides services in our 10-county service territory.

To make our donations go further, CCEC is encouraging its employees to pledge to volunteer at these worthy organizations. The opportunity to create something new here while embracing traditional community values has never been greater. It’s a passion we share with you, our members, for making our community a place we’re all proud to call home. That’s the source of our new energy at Cass County Electric Cooperative.

We are here powering your life.

Visit givingheartsday.org to learn how you can help!

YAY! It’s Cookie Time!

As a proud sponsor of Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons, and to express our commitment to youth development, CCEC will be hosting Amelia from the Casselton Troop on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, at the CCEC Member Services Center, 4100 32nd Ave S, Fargo.

Stop by between 12:30-3:00 PM to purchase your 2022 stockpile!

10 Highline Notes | February 2022 CassCountyElectric.com

Cass County Electric Cooperative

- ways to pay -

MOBILE APP

ONLINE ACCOUNT

PAY NOW

The Cass County Electric mobile app is a powerful engine to make your life easier. View and pay your bill, sign up for alerts, report power outages, and more! The mobile app is available for Apple and Android devices.

Cass County Electric’s online account platform puts the analysis of your account at your fingertips.

You can pay your bill, view electricity usage, make a payment, manage account settings, set up autopay and paperless and more. All you need is your account number to sign up today!

If you do not want to create an online account, you can simply “pay now” for a one-time online payment. Simply enter your account number and last name to pay your bill. No registration is required.

PHONE

PHONE IVR

BANK DRAFT

Call 701-356-4400 to pay your bill using a checking account or credit card by talking with a local member service specialist during business hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Call 701-356-4400 to make a payment 24 hours a day with a debit or credit card (Mastercard, Visa) or by entering your checking or savings account information.

Please have your account number available when calling our automated system.

Payments can be drafted from your checking or savings account automatically or on an individual basis for the amount of your monthly electric bill. Contact your financial institution for more information.

MAIL

DROP BOX

IN PERSON

Mail checks or money orders payable to Cass County Electric Cooperative using the return envelope and remittance included with your monthly bill statement.

Please do not send cash via the Postal Service. 4100 32nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104

A payment drop box is located in the parking lot roundabout at the cooperative’s Member Services building. Payments placed in the drop box will be processed by the end of the next business day. Be sure to include account number, name, and address. 4100 32nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104

Payments can be made in person at our Member Service building: Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. 4100 32nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104

SIMPLIFY & SAVE.

1. Download the Cass County Electric mobile app 2. Go paperless - $10 bill credit 3. Enroll in autopay - $10 bill credit*

*One-time credit through checking account only.

CassCountyElectric.com

February 2022 | Highline Notes 11

safety

Five safety tips for your home workshop Without taking proper precautions, the enjoyment of a do-it-yourself project can quickly turn into disaster.

You may have all the latest power tools, hand tools, hardware and materials, but if you do not put safety first, you may end up with a trip to the hospital instead of a new set of shelves, upgraded lighting in the kitchen or a trendy shiplap accent wall in the bedroom. Here are some fundamental workshop and electrical safety tips to help keep things running smoothly.

Gear, glasses and gloves The first rule of workshop safety is to dress appropriately. Avoid loose clothing that can get caught in power tools. Never wear dangling jewelry or scarves. Roll up your sleeves or choose ones that are tight against your skin. Closed-toe shoes are a must, and steel-toed boots are recommended.

Safety glasses are necessary 100% of the time. Gloves are fine for handling materials. Before you reach for a belt sander or scroll saw, however, take the gloves off to minimize the risk of them getting caught and so you get tactile feedback in case anything goes wrong.

Observe electrical safety Before you start any DIY project, inspect all your power tools and their cords for loose plugs, exposed wires or worn insulation. Fires are one of the top dangers when working with electric gear, especially if you have combustible materials around, such as sawdust.

If you must use an extension cord, choose one long, heavy-duty (appropriately rated) cord and keep it untangled and out of the way to prevent tripping and yanking your tools off the workbench. When you are done working, unplug everything from the extension cord and put it away.

Keep your workshop clean Anything left on the floor is a tripping hazard, and you do not want to imagine what could happen if you trip while using a power tool. Anything cluttering up your worktable introduces obstacles that can get caught in a saw or drill mechanism or block your ability to move your project safely as you work on it. The byproducts of do-it-yourself work, such as sawdust, cast-off nails and screws, and rags or brushes with potentially combustible or hazardous fluids on them, increase the risk of fires and projectiles.

12 Highline Notes | February 2022 CassCountyElectric.com

Keep tools in good condition Besides inspecting the cords and plugs for electrical safety, everything works better in the workshop if you have clean, sharp and well-lubricated tools. A dull saw blade brings a much higher chance of injury than a sharp one. It is less likely to cut smoothly through the wood or other material and more likely to kick back and cut you. Dull saws, routers or drill bits also run the risk of breaking during use. Use appropriate lubrication, such as WD-40 or others specifically created for power tools.

Know your limits If you have a lot of experience as a do-it-yourselfer, there are projects you can tackle from memory.

However, approach anything new as if you are a beginner for maximum workshop safety. Read instructions.

Look up reputable guide videos to refresh your skills or learn something new. Most importantly, recognize when you are in over your head and leave those non-DIY projects to the professionals.

For more information about electrical safety, visit CassCountyElectric.com.

tech More power, more savings

When Adam and Britani DeFoe moved their family from Nebraska to West Fargo, N.D., more than three years ago, they had a lot to figure out. Adam was starting a new physician interventional radiologist job at Essentia Health, their four kids would be experiencing a new community and they were building a new house from afar.

But one thing was easy to figure out. Adam had a Tesla Model 3 on preorder, and he wanted a way to charge it quickly at home.

“Our builder just asked me about it.

He gave me the option of the offpeak meter for the charger, and he said, ‘You’ll save a lot.’ Right away I said yes – put that in!” Adam said with a laugh.

Adam DeFoe never has to stop at a gas station, because he can simply plug in his car every evening.

The DeFoes, Cass County Electric Cooperative members, have racked up the savings by charging their electric vehicle (EV) on the offpeak program, which offers them a

reduced electric rate for changing the car during low-demand times of day – often overnight.

Additionally, a charger rebate is offered to members who enroll in the off-peak program. Adam simply plugs into the 240-volt system when he gets home, and the car is programmed to begin the charging process at the set off-peak time. Even if the battery is nearly depleted, he has a full charge by the time he needs to leave for the hospital.

“Especially compared to paying for gasoline, charging the car is pennies. It takes very little electricity to make this car get to work and back,” Adam said. “You definitely see the cost savings in the long run. Electric vehicles are great, especially if you are doing a lot of around-the-town commuting.”

Inexpensive “fuel ups” are just a small reason Adam loves his EV. He hasn’t had to bring the car in for maintenance the entire three years he’s had it (no oil, no belts, no problems), he likes CassCountyElectric.com

that it is American made and environmentally friendly, and he can’t get enough of the high-tech features and app capabilities.

He’s most charged up about one detail in particular.

“They are super fun to drive. The acceleration…” he said with a pause. “You can’t beat it.”

Adam and Britani DeFoe love their EV, and they hope to see more around the region in the coming years.

The DeFoes have become fast advocates of EVs and are thrilled to see fast charging stations and Tesla Superchargers pop up in their neighborhood and towns around the region. Britani drives the EV whenever she has the chance, and the couple certainly envisions plugin fandom continuing through their next generation.

“My oldest will be 11 soon, so I’m thinking it might be passed on to her, because the safety ratings on this thing are amazing,” Adam said.

February 2022 | Highline Notes 13

recipes Kids crafts

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

Finger paints

Play dough

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

Preparation

Preparation

1 cup cornstarch 4 cups water 6 tablespoons granulated white sugar 1 teaspoon salt Wilton icing color gels Containers

Preparation

In a medium-sized saucepan, add all your ingredients and whisk until combined. Cook on medium heat, constantly stirring until your mixture thickens. Turn off your stove and remove it from the heat.

Separate into your containers, one container for each color.

Using a toothpick, add a tiny blob of the icing color gel, and using a spoon, stir until the color is thoroughly mixed in. Let stand until cool before use or closing lid to store.

3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup + 2 tablespoons salt 3 cups hot water 2 teaspoons cream of tartar 4 tablespoons coconut oil Food coloring Add the flour, cream of tartar, salt, and three tablespoons of cooking oil to a large pot.

Whisk together. Add water and whisk until smooth.

Cook over medium heat, constantly stirring, until the dough forms a soft ball. Be sure not to overcook—it will be dry. Remove from heat and then scrape the mixture into a ball—cover with plastic wrap and cool. Divide into portions and use food coloring to color as desired.

Store in airtight containers.

14 Highline Notes | February 2022 CassCountyElectric.com

Crystal garden Charcoal briquets 3 + 2 tablespoons non-iodized salt 3 tablespoons ammonia 6 tablespoons liquid bluing Water Food coloring Place broken- up charcoal in the bottom of a glass pie pan. Spray the charcoal well with water. In a mason jar, mix salt, ammonia, and bluing.

The smell will be strong. To mix, place the lid on the jar and shake well. Pour the liquid ingredients evenly all over the charcoal. Sprinkle two tablespoons of salt evenly over the top. You can stop there, and the crystals will grow white, or you can add drops of food coloring all over and get a colorful crystal garden!

To keep the crystals growing, every two days, mix up two tablespoons of each of the following: water, bluing, and ammonia. Then pour around the base of the charcoals.

s

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: Ladder tree stand, make an offer.

701-552-2422 New never shot PSA 556 AR-15 w/ carbine length barrel nitride moe upper with rear bus sight, stealth lower. Selling due to hospital bills. $975/OBO. 620-687-0185 Gazelle exercise machine and Schwinn Airdyne bike $50 each you haul. 4 Goodyear Wrangler tires 265X65X18, 26K mi. $300. 701-7994122/ 701-730-2184 New WeatherTech floor mats, fit ‘21 Ford Ranger Supercrew Lariat &XLT, $60. Non-smoking, no pet home.

Pics avail. 701-235-7189

Wine-making supplies (fermenters, glass carboys, clean bottles, corks, cork press, siphons, hydrometers, airlocks, enzymes, yeast nutrients, camden tablets, clarifiers, etc.). Farm toy tractors NIB, 1/16 (Ertl, Scale Models, etc.). Early 1960s John Deere pedal tractor. Near Fargo. 217-5497846 Various beer signs (Schlitz, Coors Light, Bud Light, Old Milwaukee, Leinenkugel’s, etc.) range from $40$160. Pick up WF. 701-388-2877 Free: Wooden dining chair in good condition. Text/call 701-680-8703

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT 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.

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.

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.

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

CassCountyElectric.com

First class postage stamp 1937... $0.03 2022... $0.58 Increase...19x

Electricity

1937... 5¢/kwh 2022... 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.

February 2022 | Highline Notes 15

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

2022 ANNUAL MEETING: PEOPLE BEHIND THE POWER Tuesday, April 5, 2022 5:00 Registration | 5:30 Meal Served | 6:00 Business Meeting Delta by Marriott, Southwest entrance: 1635 42nd St SW, Fargo

Bring this page for express registration 16 Highline Notes | February 2022 CassCountyElectric.com