HIGHLINE notes June 2022
Bringing the heat in the glass industry, page 4 Small town, big heart: The Arthur Market, page 6 CCEC welcomes new employees, page 8
CassCountyElectric.com
June 2022 | Highline Notes 1
editorial Co-ops converge in Washington, D.C.
Marshal Albright, Cass County Electric Cooperative president & CEO Hundreds of electric cooperative leaders converged on Capitol Hill for NRECA’s Legislative Conference in the first week of May to urge Congress to help co-ops take advantage of energy incentives, reduce their federal debt, and access billions of infrastructure dollars. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) has identified more than two dozen different components in the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill passed by Congress last year that may benefit electric co-ops. NRECA is helping co-ops band together to seek funding for projects in several categories: electric vehicle charging infrastructure, electric grid hardening to improve reliability, cybersecurity protection, and electric grid automation. NRECA’s role has been meeting with federal agency officials as they decide how to distribute funding from the bill. “We continue to be actively engaged to look for the best ways for our not-for-profit, community-owned organizations to participate in this process,” said James Matheson, CEO of NRECA. In addition to the infrastructure bill, co-op leaders are also asking members of Congress to help pass two additional bills this year. 1. The first would provide direct federal payments for electric co-ops to develop new energy resources and technologies, including renewable energy, battery storage projects, nuclear
energy facilities, and carbon capture and storage. NRECA is pushing lawmakers to include a direct-pay incentive for co-ops in Congress’ tax bill this year. A direct-pay incentive would put coops on a level playing field with investor-owned utilities, which already receive federal tax breaks for providing power from solar,
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wind, and other renewable energy sources and investing in carbon capture. NRECA will be aggressive in advocating for direct payments to be part of any tax legislation that moves, because we think this is a critical step for electric cooperatives. 2. The other major priority is the passage of the Flexible Financing
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Editorial continued: for Rural America Act, which would allow co-ops to refinance their loans from the Rural Utilities Service at lower interest rates without prepayment penalties. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill was initially estimated to cost the U.S. Treasury about $4 billion over 10 years. Still, the cost is likely to decrease now that interest rates have gone up. With interest rates on an upward trajectory right now, this value to electric cooperatives may not be what it was a year ago. Electric cooperative leaders from North Dakota met with Senators Hoeven and Cramer and a representative from Congressman Armstrong’s office to discuss other important legislation affecting electric cooperatives. Senator Hoeven supports carbon capture to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants that burn fossil fuels. Hoeven also supports the federal infrastructure package and direct-pay incentive for new energy resources. Senator Cramer has recently focused on discussions with several large national financial institutions to urge continued support of the fossil fuel industry. In addition to visiting about RUS loan refinancing, carbon capture, and ensuring affordable, reliable electricity, we also discussed the April ice storm that destroyed significant electric infrastructure in western North Dakota. As an energy industry leader, we are grateful for the support from our national delegation to ensure we have reliable and affordable electricity in the future.
CCEC offices will be closed Monday, July 4 for Independence Day.
recipes
ads
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS APRIL 2022 The Cass County Electric Board of Directors met in person on April 26, 2022, and discussed the following topics: • The board held its annual reorganization meeting with the following officers elected: Board Chair: Jeff Triebold Vice Chair: Glenn Mitzel Secretary: Terry Kraft Treasurer: Kalvin Hoff • Moved to approve the April 2022 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes, monthly department reports, director expense report, the March Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA), and the annual report on disaster recovery status. • President/CEO Marshal Albright gave the president’s report reporting on updates from storm damage in western North Dakota, annual employee informational meetings, and meetings and conferences attended. • Received the first quarter 2022 financial report. • Moved to approve the 2021 Form 990 for filing with the IRS. • Moved to approve the 2022 Integrated Resource Plan with Minnkota Power Cooperative. • Received reports from the Minnkota board, member, and annual meetings. • Reported on the 84th Annual Meeting held April 5, 2022. • Moved to approve the clarification revisions to Policy 112 – Directors’ Benefits. • Moved to approve the April 2022 capital credit estate payments. • Scheduled dates for the District 1 Director Candidate interviews. • Reviewed upcoming meetings and events. The next board meeting is Tuesday, June 28, 2022. CassCountyElectric.com
Volume 80, Number 6
Communications: Jocelyn Lura Hovland Travis Gavin Kaitlyn Hartman Printer: Forum Communications Printing Board of Directors: District 1 - Open Douglas Anderson Sid Berg Kalvin Hoff, Treasurer Terry Kraft, Secretary Wendy Loucks Glenn Mitzel, Vice Chair Thomas J. Seymour Jeff Triebold, Board 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. June 2022 | Highline Notes 3
Tempering Team Leader Zobon Blackie prepares another set of glass for the furnace.
Bringing the heat in the glass industry Fargo’s Cardinal IG glass plant finds growing power in partnership with Cass County Electric Cooperative Breanna Raile is one of the newer teammates at Fargo’s Cardinal Insulating Glass (IG) plant. She’s still referring to the duration of her time there in months, not years. But to hear plant manager Mike Arntson speak about her journey – she’s packed a lot of growth into fewer than 365 days. “This is Breanna and Ben, team leaders on Line Six and Line Five,” Arntson said of the duo hard at work on the production floor. “Soon after Breanna started, Ben recognized that she had leadership potential. So he started preparing her to be a team leader.” “We call ourselves the Dream Team,” Raile said with a nudge to her mentor, Ben. The Dream Team is two of 360 teammates at the Fargo glass manufacturer, which nested in the community in 1998 through a partnership agreement with Marvin
Windows. The Fargo site is one of 10 Cardinal IG plants in the country, which collectively sold 22.6 million IG units in 2021 (2.2 million from Fargo alone). Although the Fargo plant sells 80% of its product directly to Marvin Windows next door, Arntson says Cardinal Glass Industries, as a whole, supplies 95% of the branded window business in America. Cardinal’s five subsidiaries (Float Glass, Custom Tempered Glass, Laminated Glass, Coated Glass and Insulating Glass) span 21 states to produce glass for Andersen Windows, Pella Windows and several other prominent window and door companies. That amount of glass takes companywide investment in the best – leaders like Breanna, expanded facilities, and top-of-the-market robotics and equipment. “Our philosophy is longevity, performance, aesthetics. We want
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to have the longest-lasting, best performing, best-looking glass in the industry, and in that order,” Arntson said. “We believe in innovation. Wherever you live, we have a product that will help keep your heat in better, keep the sunlight out better, and a mix in between.” A clear difference In 2020, it was time to expand production with more space and a new glass-tempering furnace. Cardinal IG Plant Engineer Mark Buisker traveled with teammates to another Cardinal site to get a look at its electric furnace. Arntson was skeptical to make a switch from natural gas to kilowatts. But not for long. “They came back and they said, ‘Mike, if we bought the latest-and-greatest gas furnace, we’d be replacing a 1998 Toyota Corolla with a 2020 Toyota Corolla. But if we go with an electric furnace, it’s like going from a Toyota Corolla to a Tesla. The quality of glass
that we can produce on this electric furnace is far and beyond the quality we’re capable of seeing with a gas furnace,’” Arntson recalled. “That’s all I really needed to know.” Before sealing the deal on the $4.6 million furnace with manufacturer Glaston, Buisker contacted Cardinal’s power provider, Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC), to talk through the economics of the investment. In 2020, natural gas prices were low, but the plant wanted the electric benefits of control and glass quality. CCEC accounts executive Chad Brousseau knew the cooperative family could help. “We worked with Cardinal Glass, our wholesale provider Minnkota Power Cooperative and our board of directors, and we came up with a temporary economic development rate to help offset the operating costs of their expansion project for the first few years,” Brousseau said. “Yes, and that was a game changer. When Mark came back and said that we would be getting a better initial rate,” Arntson punctuated the point with a snap, “that was it. And thank goodness. The difference is evident.” In 2021 and 2022, natural gas prices rose dramatically as the co-op’s electric rate remained stable, which saved the company even more, combined with the thermal efficiency of the modern unit. The savings were essential as the plant invested more than $50 million into enhancing the facility over the past five years. Recent upgrades include
eight 140-ton air rotation systems that filter nuisance dust and viruses and control the climate of the entire plant. Add that to a facility already using electricity for eight robots, six production lines and countless other equipment – and there’s a lot of power on the line. “Cass County Electric and Minnkota had to make similar investments to our infrastructure out here, too, to serve that growing load and make sure we maintain that reliability,” Brousseau said. “We know that’s crucial for Cardinal Glass.” “I’m glad we built here in the industrial park on Cass County’s system,” Arntson replied. “Even a small outage or momentary blink will put us down for at least an hour.” Taking flight The nation’s hunger for high-quality tempered glass innovations isn’t fading. Cardinal Glass Industries has tripled annual sales from $1 billion in 2012 to more than $3 billion today. As demand increases, so does the likelihood the Fargo site will continue to grow. “We’ve expanded the plant a number of times, most recently in 2020. That expansion is almost done, and we’re just putting some finishing touches on it,” Arntson explained. “I’m sure we will expand to the fullest extent of our property.”
The tempering process
• The Glaston electric furnace heats glass to 690° C (between 1,200-1,300° F). • The sheet is red hot and turns to the consistency of taffy. • The glass is conveyed to a “quench,” which blows air onto the surface. • The outside of the glass is cooled rapidly, placing it in a state of compression. • The inside cools more slowly, placing it in a state of tension. • The compression/tension creates tempered glass that is four times stronger than normal glass.
of only 11 eligible facilities in North Dakota that is recognized as an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program Star Worksite, a recognition of world-class safety practices. With a workforce hailing from five of the seven continents, Cardinal IG won the first ChamberChoice Award for Diversity and Inclusion in 2021. Those 360 unique teammates are supported with annual profit sharing, internal and external leadership training and opportunities to grow with the company – as experienced by team leader Raile. Towering robot arms and red-hot electric furnaces are important for high-quality glass, but the powers of personal connection and professional fulfillment can be stronger tools for industry success.
As it builds upon its production, “We have a great team,” Arntson Cardinal IG Fargo will continue to said from the plant floor. “We’re very elevate its focus on the glass handlers fortunate.” themselves. The Fargo plant is one
CassCountyElectric.com
June 2022 | Highline Notes 5
Small town, big heart The Arthur Market
Live music, people laughing, the smell of fresh baked goods in the air - this is what you’re greeted with when arriving at the Arthur Market. These outdoor farmers markets held in Arthur, North Dakota, are events that both locals and people from all over look forward to each year. “The market provides an opportunity for the Arthur community and the immediate surrounding communities to come together in fellowship,” said Arthur Community Coordinator Jeremy Scott Nelson. Nelson has been planning the Arthur Market since its start in September
2020. “My wife planted the initial idea,” Nelson said. “After I took the coordinator position, she said, ‘We should really have a farmers market.‘“ After the initial idea was brought up, it just took six weeks for Nelson to put together the first Arthur Market. From there, the market took off and has grown each year. The market offers a variety of attractions for people who attend. The focus is on finding vendors who grow and produce their own items to sell. The market features edible goods such as homegrown produce, dried and canned goods, and food and drink vendors such as local breweries and
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food trucks. There are also a variety of artisan vendors that sell handmade products, such as seasonal décor, custom woodworking, crocheted items, and ceramics. Along with goods to purchase, each day at the market will feature live music from local bands to enjoy while browsing. But the market isn’t just a good time for attendees. Vendors featured at the market get a pretty sweet deal as well. By attending the market, vendors get a chance to showcase their goods, make sales, and network with other small business owners. “I have a heart for small businesses and
side-hustles, so providing a space and an event for them to connect with people and network is very energizing,” Nelson said. Although some vendors might become familiar faces if you attend all three dates, Nelson is confident you’ll still find new products each time you go. “There’s a core group of vendors at all of our markets. They do a great job of rotating their items to reflect seasonal changes, whether it’s the available produce, seasonal décor, etc.” Along with these core vendors, you will also find vendors who could only be at one or two markets. Every market day will be different than the last, so you can be assured that every day is worth attending. For Nelson, the most rewarding part of putting together the Arthur Market is the sense of community it creates – both within Arthur and beyond. “So many of our small towns
are bedroom towns. People live here but work in the Fargo/Moorhead area. This means that our circles are much bigger than just Arthur, Hunter, or Amenia. To date, we have had attendees and vendors from over 45 towns and cities across five states and two countries!” 2022 will mark the third year of the Arthur Market, and this is something Nelson knows is a big deal. “I have heard it said that it becomes a tradition when you do something three years in a row. 2022 will be year three of the Arthur Market, which means that we all get to come together and establish a new tradition!” Nelson plans to mark the tradition by bringing new elements to the market, such as cornhole tournaments, hayrides, Trowbridge Creek Zoo, and PiKadilly Face Painting.
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“Seeing the Arthur City Park full of the area’s best vendors, listening to incredible musical talent, having families hang out for hours… it’s a ton of fun.” Learn more about the Arthur Market and stay up to date on related news by joining The Arthur Market’s Facebook page and following them on Instagram @thearthurmarket. If you are interested in becoming a vendor for future market dates, don’t hesitate to contact Community Coordinator Jeremy Nelson.
Arthur City Park Saturday, June 18 10:00-2:00 Saturday, August 13 10:00-2:00 Saturday, October 1 10:00-2:00
June 2022 | Highline Notes 7
Hello! Our members have high expectations for us. In turn, we have high expectations for our employees and are committed to recognizing and rewarding the hard work that they do. We offer competitive pay, extensive benefit options, and top-notch retirement packages while supporting professional development, community involvement, and a strong culture of safety and wellness. We would like to welcome the employees listed on this page to the Cass County Electric Cooperative team!
Travis Gavin
Kaitlyn Hartman
Communications Coordinator
Communications Assistant
Gavin received his master’s degree from Minot State in 2017 and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary in 2015. He comes to us from his role as studio technical director for Click Content Studios, where he produced the AgweekTV show. Gavin is originally from Blaine, Minn. In his spare time, he likes to play board games, work with his 3D printers, and anything else involving home tech.
Hartman is a 2021 graduate of NDSU. There, she received a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication. Hartman previously worked at the NDSU Wellness Center as an intern, where she assisted with digital marketing, internal and external communications, and social media management. Originally from Ortonville, Minn., Hartman likes to spend time outside, read, and hang out with friends and family.
Chase Johnson
Kasey Kyllo
Trevor Prishmann
Apprentice Lineworker
Power Control Technician
Energy Services Technician
Chase Johnson, has accepted a position as a full-time lineworker in our Fargo service center. Johnson started at CCEC as a seasonal apprentice lineworker in 2021 after graduating from line school at Bismarck State College. Johnson has a dog named Remi, and his hometown is LIsbon. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting and fishing.
Kasey Kyllo is a master electrician with 16 years of experience. Most recently, he worked as an electrical inspector. Kyllo, of Hunter, has been married to Kristina for 10 years, and they have two children, Addison (8) and Madelyn (4). He enjoys spending time with family, watching the Minnesota Vikings, and enjoying the outdoors in his spare time.
Trevor Prishmann is a journeyman electrician with 21 years of experience. He was raised in Kindred and enjoys hunting, fishing and traveling. You could say that the cooperative and being an electrician runs in his blood as his dad, Keith, also works at CCEC.
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- New Heights A journeyman lineworker’s job is more than poles and power lines. Our apprenticeship training program prepares apprentices for all aspects of this exciting and gratifying career. Cass County Electric Cooperative’s Lineworker Apprenticeship Program offers on-the-job experiences while an apprentice lineworker learns about the occupation and industry. The apprentice program consists of logging 8,000 hours of hands-on training under the supervision of a journeyman lineworker. Cass County Electric welcomes this year’s seasonal apprentice lineworkers.
STARTS 5-17-22 Waiting Jacob Kressin
Parker Lien
Greg Melkert
Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker
Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker
Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker
Easton Ogren
Brock Roelser
Sam Wamre
Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker - Second Year
Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker
Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker - Second Year
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June 2022 | Highline Notes 9
Power Plant and Mine Tour August 8 & 9, 2022 Learn what it takes to make the lights come on when you flip the switch. Making electricity is a fascinating business. We like to share the experience because we believe it’s essential for our members to know how their homes and businesses are powered. Our power supplier, Minnkota Power Cooperative, provides tours of the Milton R. Young Station and the adjacent BNI coal mine near Center, N.D. The tour will include an overview of power supply, a presentation and tour at the Milton R. Young Station, and a tour of the adjacent BNI coal mine. The tours involve frequent walking on uneven terrain and grating, plenty of stairs, and hot and loud environments. We recommend wearing layered casual clothing and sneakers. Attendees will be provided with mandatory safety equipment, such as eye and hearing protection and a hard hat. Contact Kaitlyn Hartman at 701.356.4400 to reserve your seat today—attendance is limited to 30. Included in the price are bus fare, snacks, all meals, and the hotel room. Your electric account will be billed either $100/single or $150/double when registering.
When calling with reservations, please have the following information ready: • Member’s first and last name • Guest’s first and last name • Double or king bed request • Phone number • Email • Address • Mobility concerns • Food allergies
10 Highline Notes | June 2022 CassCountyElectric.com
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safety Think summer storms are harmless? Think again. You might joke that you have a better chance of getting hit by lightning than winning the lottery, and you would be right. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), there are an estimated 25 million lightning flashes in the United States each year, killing 28 people and injuring 252 annually (averages based on data from 2008-2017). Your odds of being struck by lightning are 1 in 1,171,000 in any given year. Before you deny that might ever happen to you, consider a person’s average lifespan (estimated at 80 years) and the odds drop to around 1 in 14,600. Lest you think these numbers are bogus and fabricated to make a point, the NWS tracks all kinds of storm data and actually publishes the odds of becoming struck by lightning. (Oh, and just so you know, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot is 1 in 302.6 million and the Powerball, 1 in 292.2 million. And that’s according to Lottery USA.) While there is little you can do to increase your chances of becoming a multi-millionaire by winning a huge lottery windfall, there are proactive steps you can take before and during a storm to stay safe. Cass County Electric Cooperative offers the following weatherrelated reminders from FEMA, the Red Cross and other safety organizations: • Never seek shelter under an isolated tree, tower or utility pole since lightning tends to strike tall objects. • Immediately vacate elevated areas, such as hills, mountain ridges and peaks. • Get away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water. • Stay away from objects that conduct electricity, including wires and fences (and
golf clubs!). Approximately 5 percent of annual lightning deaths and injuries in the U.S. happen on golf courses, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. • Never lie flat on the ground. • Learn about your community’s emergency warning for severe thunderstorms. • Pick a safe place in your home for family members to gather during a thunderstorm. The location should be away from windows, skylights and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail. • Protect your animals by ensuring that any outside buildings that house them are structurally sound. • Your mom was right: Never talk on a landline telephone during a thunderstorm. Lightning could strike whatever building you are in, and the electricity will look for the quickest route to the ground via wiring. Although many homes don’t have landlines anymore, many businesses still do. • Know the difference between a watch and a warning. A severe thunderstorm watch means that they are possible in and near the area. A severe thunderstorm warning means that severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. A warning is serious and means that there is imminent danger to life and property. The best way to protect yourself against lightning or other storm-related injury or death is to monitor the weather and cancel or delay outdoor activities when thunderstorms are forecast. Lightning can strike from 10 miles away, so if you can hear thunder, you are at risk for being struck by lightning. For more information about electrical safety, visit CassCountyElectric.com/safety.
CassCountyElectric.com
June 2022 | Highline Notes 11
Home maintenance checklist
Spring
Fall
Annual
As Required
Grounds and Yard Drain outside water lines and hoses.
X
Clean window wells and storm drains.
X
Check driveways and sidewalks for cracks, yard for settlement and erosion.
X
X
Check safety and reversing mechanism on garage door operators, adjust if needed.
X
Doors and Windows Check glazed openings for loose putty.
X
Check for broken glass and damaged screens.
X
Check and lubricate window hardware.
X
Check weather stripping for damage and tightness of fit. Check caulking at doors and windows.
X X
Exterior Walls Check masonry for cracks and loose joints.
X
Check painted surfaces for paint failure.
X
Check siding and trim for damage and decay.
X
Roof Check for damaged or loose shingles, blistered roofing.
X
Check underside of roof where accessible for water stains or dampness.
X
Check for damaged flashing.
X
Check for damaged gutters, downspouts, hangers, strainers, and rust.
X
Clean gutters and downspouts.
X
Check vents, louvers, and chimney caps and housings for bird nests, etc.
X
Check masonry chimneys.
X
X
Interior Surfaces and Floors Check grouting around tubs, showers, and sinks.
X
X
Check for wear and damage, particularly where one material meets another.
X
Evaluate for replacement or refinishing.
X
Plumbing Check flush valves, faucets, hose bibs, and supply and drainage piping.
X
Check septic tank.
X
Check water heater.
X
Electrical System Check condition of cords, extension cords, and plugs. Replace at first sign of wear.
X
X
Check wiring for damage and missing insulation. Replace or repair as needed.
X
If fuses blow or breakers trip frequently, call a certified electrician to make repairs.
X
If you feel a shock from touching an appliance, disconnect it and make repairs.
X
Test ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
X
X
Heating and Cooling System Clean or change any air filters. Clean dirt and dust from around furnaces.
X X
X
Have heating and cooling system checked by a qualified service person.
X
Service humidifier and/or dehumidifier.
X
Foundations and Basement Check grading to assure that water will drain away from the foundation.
X
Check basements and crawl space for any water following wet weather.
X
The frequency of maintenance and service shown in the chart above reflects the minimum amount of time and service your house and various household appliances will require. Items may need to be checked more often or at other times depending on the number of occupants, types of materials, household pets, and other variables. 12 Highline Notes | June 2022 CassCountyElectric.com
The cooperative spirit One of the guiding principles of cooperatives is cooperation among cooperatives. So when, on the weekend of April 22, western North Dakota experienced a significant weather event that resulted in extensive damage to several electric cooperative systems, Cass County Electric Cooperative was ready to assist. This storm produced a combination of rain (which turned to ice); heavy, wet snow; and winds with gusts above 60 mph that downed numerous miles of power lines. At the time of print, there are still rural cooperative members (mainly commercial) without power despite the nearly round-the-clock work going into outage restoration. The silver linings that often come out of tough times are the stories that exemplify the cooperative spirit.
Statistics:
Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative • Stationed out of Williston, N.D. • April 25 to May 15 • The crews primarily set poles and strung wire in rural areas of Mountrail County. 23 lineworkers • 5 repeated (each crew spent about a week) 12 pieces of equipment • 5 bucket trucks • 2 line trucks • 1 digger derrick • 3 skid steers • 2 UTVs • PRINOTH track carrier 3.225 hours assisting in power restoration
CassCountyElectric.com
June 2022 | Highline Notes 13
recipes Dinner in 30 minutes or less!
Email recipes to ccec@kwh.com or mail to: Cass County Electric; Highline Notes, 4100 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58104
Four-ingredient pesto chicken bake Ingredients
3 chicken breasts 1 (6 oz.) jar basil pesto 2 medium tomatoes, sliced 3-6 slices mozzarella cheese
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350° F. Season chicken breasts liberally with salt and pepper, and arrange into a baking dish or rimmed baking sheet. Use a spoon to cover the chicken with pesto. Top each chicken breast with mozzarella cheese and tomato slices. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle. Broil the chicken for the final two minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve immediately.
One-pan lemon garlic salmon & asparagus Ingredients
1 lb. salmon fillet cut into 2-3 fillets 1 bunch asparagus 1 Tbsp. salted butter 1 Tbsp. olive oil 2 cloves minced garlic Zest and juice of ½ lemon Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Preparation
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pan. When the pan is hot and the butter is fully melted, add the salmon and asparagus and season with salt and cracked black pepper. Cook salmon for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Add garlic and lemon zest. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the garlic begins to brown. Turn off the heat and squeeze half a lemon into the dish. Plate and serve.
14 Highline Notes | June 2022 CassCountyElectric.com
Beef tenderloin in mushroom sauce Ingredients
4 Tbsp. butter 1 tsp. canola oil 2 (4 oz.) beef tenderloins 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms 1 Tbsp. chopped green onion 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1/8 tsp. salt Dash of pepper 2/3 cup chicken or beef broth 1/8 tsp. browning sauce (optional)
Preparation
In a large skillet, heat 2 Tbsp. butter and oil over medium heat; cook steaks to desired doneness. Remove from pan, reserving drippings, and keep warm. In the same pan, heat drippings and remaining butter over medium-high heat. Sauté mushrooms and green onions until tender. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until blended. Gradually stir in broth and, if desired, browning sauce. Bring to a boil, constantly stirring, until thickened (about 1-2 minutes). Serve with steaks.
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Co-op Contractors The work doesn’t end for an electric utility once the power lines are in the air or underground. With a 10-county service area, nearly 6,000 miles of line, and more than 55,000 accounts, installing, maintaining, and keeping the power running takes a massive effort. CCEC augments its workforce with contractors to help with some of the heavy lifting to make it happen. The companies below provide essential services that aid our maintenance efforts. If you see them out in the field, there’s a chance they’re helping us keep the power on for you. UNDERGROUND WORK The removal, repair, and installation of underground electric distribution lines • Arvig • Dakota Hills Electric • Jerry’s Excavating • Moritz Excavating • MPM Construction • MVM Contracting
ads 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: Two, like new, beautiful chrome vanity bathroom light bars. 6 shades (48” L), & 5 shades (36” L). $50/ea or $80/both. 701-3678263 Flex steel lift chair, $400. Larry 701-219-5743 Book: Emigrants from Germany to Russia 1763 to 1862 by Karl Stumpp, 1018 pages, perfect cond., $50. 701-793-7841
LOCATING Assists with 811 locates • LSI
2006 Yamaha Stratoliner; 1854cc, 12,500 mi, one owner, near Fargo. 217-549-7846
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT Keeps tree limbs clear of power lines to prevent fires and power outages • Carr’s Tree Service
YARD RESTORATION Restoring impacted member property • Red River Services
YARD LIGHTS Conducts light maintenance and replacements • Dakota Hills Electric
POLE TESTING Aged, damaged, or unsuitable poles are marked for replacement • Utility Inspection Services
Male & female Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies; up-to-date wellness exams & vaccinations, $650. 701-793-7088 Singer adjustable dress form, $125. 701-2380604 One 11.2/10x38 tire, $125. Set of four 31/1050 R15 tires, $140. One four-drawer metal file cabinet, $100. One like new swivel rocker, $50. 701-282-8284 20-gal, 5-gal, & 3-gal Redwing crocks in very good cond. 701-799-4677 2007 Ford Taurus SEL 4-door. 82,000 mi., good cond. 701-799-0491 Wanted: Older stereo components (receivers, amps, CD players, speakers, and turntables), music CDs, & albums. Call or text w/ pics of what you have. 701-541-7852 Used outdoor dog kennel. 701-306-0862
GENERAL MAINTENANCE Painting, leveling transformers, and minor restorations • Jack Martin Engineering
CassCountyElectric.com
June 2022 | Highline Notes 15
800-248-3292 | CassCountyElectric.com 4100 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58104
Join us for some summer fun! Superhero Night June 7 at 7 p.m. FM RedHawks at Newman Outdoor Field The first 500 kids receive a superhero cape—$ 7 reserved tickets for essential workers. Chutes & Boots Bull Riding June 4 & 5 from 5 – 9 p.m. Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights Discounted tickets available Justin Moore Concert June 11 at 7 p.m. Midco Stage at Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights Discounted tickets are available
The Arthur Market, in partnership with CCEC June 18 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Arthur City Park on 4th Ave Free Event Family Fun Wilderness Night June 20 from 5 – 9 p.m. Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights Free family fun Visit our website for a listing of July and August events!
Visit CassCountyElectric.com/Events or scan the QR code for event details. 16 Highline Notes | June 2022 CassCountyElectric.com