July 2023 Highline Notes

HIGHLINE notes

July 2023

6 things you might not know about coal mining, page 7

Welcome to the team, page 7

Q&A with Economic Development Administrator Matt Marshall, page 4

The following is an excerpt from the National Park Service’s “History of Independence Day” found at NPS.gov.

“The Second Day of July 1776 will be the most memorable time in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding Generations as a great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think I’m transported with Enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil, Blood, and Treasure that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom, I can see the Rays of Ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will triumph in that Days Transaction, even though We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”

- John Adams July 3, 1776

This quote is an excerpt from John Adams’ letter to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776. The emotions of this sharp-witted founding father speak of the momentous occasion. Adams believed that July 2, 1776, would be the date to mark and celebrate our Declaration of Independence forever. Although the official date comes later, Americans have celebrated their country’s birth date and have

followed Adams’ advice ever since. Adams bore witness to and was part of the American dream for freedom. He was an example of how the new nation would carry on after the war by becoming our first vice president and our second president. Adams’ eloquent words put the historical significance of American independence, and the consequence of failure if it was not achieved, into focus.

Although the Second Continental Congress made its decree for freedom on July 2, 1776, no one signed the Declaration of Independence. Congress did sign the Lee Resolution, named for Virginian Richard Henry Lee, on July 2. This resolution contained three parts: separation from the British Crown, a call to form foreign alliances, and a plan for confederation. Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence two days later, on July 4, 1776, and the alarm for freedom was sounded at Independence Hall with the Liberty Bell. Americans rejoiced as word spread throughout the newly declared independent states. Although independence had been declared, delegates of the Continental Congress had not yet inked their signatures onto the document. On August 2, 1776, when most delegates signed the Declaration of Independence, it became official.

Unfortunately, Americans were getting good and bad news at the same time. British troops were making landfall in New York as the Liberty Bell rang in Philadelphia. At that point, American and

Happy Independence Day

British forces had already been engaged in armed conflict for fifteen months. On July 9, 1776, General George Washington, while concentrating troops in New York City, ordered the Declaration of Independence to be read aloud to his men. He hoped that they would find new meaning in the war for independence.

In 1777, the British occupied the capital city of Philadelphia while Washington and his men struggled through a brutal winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Nearly two thousand of Washington’s twelve thousand men died during that winter encampment. The Continental Army was hardened by the experience and gained even greater resolve in the campaign to defeat the British. For the next four years, Americans would fight battle after battle against the mightiest military on earth.

Thanks to the military leadership of Washington, and the combined efforts of the French Navy and Washington’s good friend and ally, General Marquis de Lafayette, the British surrendered after the Siege of Yorktown on October 19, 1781. The fight for independence was over. The Treaty of Paris signed between the United States and Great Britain on September 3, 1783, made it official. The United States had become a sovereign and independent nation after six years of valor and sacrifice.

I wish all Americans a safe and happy Fourth of July!

- Marshal Albright

Marshal Albright, Cass County Electric Cooperative president & CEO

Content in every issue

save tech recipes safety impact ads

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BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS MAY 2023

The CCEC board of directors met in person on May 30, 2023, and discussed the following:

• Heard from a member regarding the policy for interconnecting a distributed energy resource.

• Moved to approve the May 2023 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes, monthly department reports, director expense report, 2021 write-off report, and the April purchased power adjustment (PPA).

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

• Received the April 2023 financial report.

• Received a report from Minnkota Power on wholesale billing charges.

• Received a workforce and legislative update from the FMWF Chamber of Commerce.

• Received reports from the April and May Minnkota Power board meetings.

• Moved to approve the May 2023 capital credit estate payments.

• Moved to approve a revision to the bylaws regarding prior notice of motions at member meetings.

• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

The next board meeting is July 25, 2023.

Communications:

Jocelyn Lura Hovland

Kaitlyn Hartman

Printer: Forum Communications

Printing

Board of Directors:

Paul White

Douglas Anderson

Sid Berg

Stacey Ackerman

Tom Seymour

Glenn Mitzel, board chair

Wendy Loucks

Kalvin Hoff, treasurer

Terry Kraft, vice chair/secretary

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 2023. 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.

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG. IT’S THE LAW.

Economic Development

Q&A with Matt Marshall, Minnkota’s economic development administrator

Creating connections and finding solutions is what Matt Marshall does best. Since starting in a new economic development administrator position at Minnkota Power Cooperative in 2020, Marshall has been a conduit between Minnkota, member systems like Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC), communities, and potential project developers.

Working together in true cooperative fashion, Marshall helps CCEC promote natural growth in its service territory and attracts new investments that create resiliency and opportunity. CCEC VP of Member and Energy Services, Paul Matthys, expands on that, saying, “Cass County Electric Cooperative supports and promotes economic development in our rural communities, which is crucial to the survival and prosperity of those communities.”

During his time at Minnkota, Marshall has navigated a pandemic and changing economic circumstances while helping bring various projects from concept to reality – including a data center that won North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum’s Economic Development Project of the Year in 2021.

Marshall sat down with us and answered five questions about the connections he’s made and why he is excited to continue assisting with CCEC’s economic development efforts.

Is there a big difference in the techniques you use to support CCEC’s metro area and CCEC’s more rural areas?

Absolutely. We look at Cass County Electric Cooperative’s entire service area and come up with strategies based on need, local resources, available property, utility and transportation access, and a host of other considerations to find opportunities that are the best fit and bring the most value to the area we are working in.

What opportunities do our rural areas outside of the Fargo market have to offer potential companies coming to North Dakota?

Rural areas throughout the Minnkota territory have much to offer companies looking to relocate or start a business. A few good examples of things rural areas can offer businesses are locations that have underutilized utilities, low-cost land, and buildings relative to locations in more densely populated areas. In some cases, we have underserved markets that allow companies to establish a foothold within a region right away. Other rural areas have financial assistance or programs that can assist businesses in expansions or relocations that are not available in large metro areas. As you look at Cass County Electric’s territory outside the Fargo market, rural areas have all of previously mentioned opportunities as well as a chance to “work where you play,” which has increased in importance as younger generations enter the workforce. A great example of this would be the southwestern edges of CCEC’s territory – businesses can leverage the quick access to the Sheyenne National Grassland

and Fort Ransom State Park as a way to recruit employees.

Why is it important to diversify the economy of Minnkota’s service territory?

Diversifying Minnkota’s territory is all about creating resiliency during downward economic trends, thus making the region more stable for our member-owners. An added benefit to that diversification is the increased potential to recruit new workforce, which is a critical need for the vast majority of businesses within the Cass County Electric membership. Additionally, growth helps CCEC members beyond lower electrical rates. Healthy growth of population and business investment help to keep property taxes stable and ensure higher levels of service to members from their local political subdivisions.

What do you foresee for Cass County regarding economic development over the next few years?

While we will continue to focus on expanding existing businesses and attracting new industry to the region, community development efforts will still need to be a significant focus. Businesses and communities within Cass County Electric’s membership are seeing their growth hindered because of the lack of workforce availability. This elevates the need for new housing solutions, childcare, and quality-of-life elements that may be needed to help attract workers to the region. Additionally, Cass County members will likely see the continued blossoming of exciting new tech companies in the area, particularly in the med-tech and ag-tech spaces. The recent sale of Aldevron and the expansion of Grand Farm, coupled with state programs and local efforts, are fostering an environment that is gaining national attention. The actions of so many entities have come together to make this a great place to do business.

What has been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on since joining Minnkota?

One of the greatest aspects of being part of the economic development team at Minnkota is the ability to fully embody the cooperative principle of concern for community. Assisting businesses and communities is an extremely rewarding career. I can’t pick a particular project, but I enjoy helping companies like TheraTec [based in Horace, N.D.] get their needed funding and watching their businesses thrive, or working with a community and development team on a unique attraction like The Wave [a waterpark coming soon to Fargo]. I have been fortunate to be a part of a team that gets to help bring projects like those to life.

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 Kyle to the Cass County Electric Cooperative team!

What is your current favorite song? Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold

What’s your favorite food? Shrimp

What are your interests/hobbies? Cars, hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending time with family

What’s your dream vacation? Australia

What’s your favorite season? Fall, because of hunting season and the cool weather

Thank you

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

Tell us about your family. I am married and have a 7-monthold son and two dogs

Tell us about your career. I have a degree in auto tech, 10 years working on vehicles in a independent shop, and almost eight years working on equipment for the NDDOT

The following employees recently retired or will soon retire from the cooperative. Together their experience totals nearly a century (94 years). Cass County Electric wants to thank them for their time, expertise, and friendship. Congratulations, and enjoy!

Kyle Thompson Fleet Technician

Steve Cossette Fleet Supervisor

Phil Windjue Design & Construction Supervisor

Lynette Girodat Member Service Specialist

6 things you might not know about coal mining

Baseload generation plays a vital role in the diverse energy portfolio needed to supply Cass County Electric Cooperative members with safe, reliable and affordable energy. Minnkota’s Milton R. Young Station is a mine-mouth generation facility that is powered by the abundant supply of lignite coal mined in western North Dakota. There are many misconceptions about coal, so here are a few North Dakota mining facts that may be new to you.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Before mining takes place in North Dakota, extensive geological surveys, drilling, and sampling must be completed to determine the quality and quantity of coal deposits in an area. By understanding the geology of the area, efficient and cost-effective mining plans are developed to maximize coal recovery while minimizing environmental impacts.

Coal mining has a significant impact on the local economy. It provides jobs for thousands of people in North Dakota and contributes to the overall energy production of the United States. The lignite energy industry also supports other crucial occupations such as transportation, manufacturing, and construction.

Open-pit mining is used to remove layers of soil and rock to expose the coal seams. Large machinery, such as draglines and bucket wheel excavators, are used to extract the coal from the open pits and transport it to the Young Station.

BNI Coal, Minnkota’s lignite coal provider, recently commissioned the world’s newest 757 dragline to its fleet in 2022. Named Legacy, it operates alongside two other draglines in Center, N.D. – Liberty and Big Sandy. Draglines operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can weigh more than 6,000 tons.

Raw lignite coal undergoes various processes to remove impurities and prepare it for use at the Young Station. This can include crushing, screening, washing, and sorting the coal to meet specific quality requirements.

ELECTRIFY YOUR OUTDOOR SUMMER ADVENTURES

Summer seems to disappear in the blink of an eye – so make sure you get out and enjoy it while you can! There is no better time than now to do the things you dreamed about all winter long, like biking along the lake shore, camping under the stars, and even taking up hiking as a hobby. All these dreams can be made a bit easier with just a little electricity.

This summer, electrify your outdoor adventures with the help of some essential and versatile electric tools. From electric bikes to portable power stations, get ready to take on the great outdoors with ease.

ELECTRIC BIKE

Summertime bike rides just got supercharged thanks to electric bikes — or e-bikes. E-bikes are equipped with an electric bike motor that can assist you when you are pedaling. You can determine how much assistance you would like and can adjust while you are cruising around town. Some newer e-bike models can even reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour! Imagine how far you can go with an electricpowered bike.

Whether you are hiking along a miles-long trail or streaming a movie under the stars, keep your phone or other small appliance charged. Portable power station systems can safely and quietly power your electrical devices, like your phone or lanterns, so you never miss capturing a single memory. Some portable power station models can even be charged with solar power! You can charge all day while out exploring and come back to a fully charged station.

No summer is complete without a cookout. Electric grills come in all shapes and sizes –from mini camping grills to larger units made to feed a family gathering. Electric grills are easy to use, provide consistent heat and are much cleaner than other options for your next backyard barbeque or trip to the lake.

Rechargeable electric radios and flashlights are essential when it comes to summer-night campouts. Use the battery-powered radio to jam to tunes all night long or listen to weather forecasts in areas with poor cell reception. And don’t even think of heading to the bathroom at night without your handy-dandy flashlight. These electrified tools are key for staying safe and sound this summer.

PORTABLE POWER STATION

ELECTRIC GRILL

BATTERY-POWERED ESSENTIALS

WAYS TO PAY

AVOID MAKING A TRIP TO THE OFFICE OR BUYING STAMPS!

PAPERLESS

Reduce your environmental impact today.

Sign up for our free paperless billing program. When you sign up here for paperless billing, receive a one-time $10 bill credit.

PAY NOW

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.

BANK DRAFT

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.

MOBILE

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.

AUTOPAY

CCEC will automatically draft your checking account, or credit card, for the amount of your monthly electric bill. You’ll still receive monthly statements, but you won’t have to write a check! Accounts signing up with a checking account will receive a one-time $10 account credit.

ONLINE ACCOUNT

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!

PREPAY

PrePay puts you in control of when you pay for your electricity. Instead of receiving a paper or electronic bill each month, your usage is calculated daily, allowing you to pay as you go. As you use electricity, your credit balance is reduced.

PHONE IVR

Payments can be made in person at our Member Services building:

Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. 4100 32nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104

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.

MAIL

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

Call 701-356-4400 to make a payment 24 hours a day with a debit or credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or Discover) or by entering your checking or savings account information. Please have your account number available when calling our automated system.

DROP BOX

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

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.

Off-peak program: water heating save

Next to heating and cooling your home, water heating is the largest user of energy. If you are looking for ways to save money, we may be able to help through our off-peak program. This program offers a reduced rate in exchange for the ability to interrupt water heaters.

If you are interested in saving money, but want to manage your energy use on your own terms, CCEC is now piloting a time-of-day rate. Contact us at energy@kwh.com to learn more.

INCENTIVES FOR WATER HEATERS INSTALLED ON OFF-PEAK:

~ Water heaters must be 100+ gallons and on long-term control to qualify. Credits will be applied to the electric bill after a visit from a Cass County Electric Cooperative technician. These one-time incentives are in addition to the discounted off-peak electric rate. All incentives are subject to final approval from Cass County Electric Cooperative.

SHORT-TERM CONTROL

Size: Less than 100 Gallons

Potential control:

• Up to 4 hours at a time

• Up to twice per day

• No summer control

Metering options:

• On off-peak meter: First 400 kWh at 6.9 cents

• On main meter: $6.50/month credit (Minimum use of 300 kWh)

Short-term control does not qualify for incentives

LONG-TERM CONTROL

Size: Greater than 100 Gallons

Potential control:

• Cycled from 7 AM to 12 PM daily Nov.-Apr. and

• Cycled from 5 PM to 11 PM daily Nov.-Apr.

• Possible summer control

Metering options:

• On off-peak meter: First 400 kWh at 5.2 cents

• On main meter: $13/month credit (Minimum use of 300 kWh)

All rates subject to purchase power adjustment

All Tech on Deck

Energy transition requires embracing all solutions

As calls to move toward a carbon-free electric grid continue to grow, the utility industry is faced with one of the most significant challenges in its history. Cass County Electric Cooperative continues to advocate for a commonsense approach in making this transition that ensures reliable service to our members and affordable prices for homes, farms, schools and businesses. As this transition moves ahead, it will require many different resources and technology breakthroughs – maybe even some that haven’t been thought of yet. Each utility must take its own path forward and cannot pursue all options at one time. Perhaps most importantly, this energy transition will require collaboration between utilities, states, policymakers, regulators and other key stakeholders on a scale never seen before. Considering the magnitude of the task at hand, it’s important to keep all tech on deck.

WILL THE NATION’S ELECTRIC GRID NEED RENEWABLE RESOURCES?

YES!

Wind and solar are among the fastest growing resources on America’s electric grid. Minnkota Power Cooperative, your electric cooperative’s wholesale power provider, already receives 34% of its generation capacity from wind (along with another 8% from hydro). As renewable resources continue to expand in the years ahead, it’s important that these resources are supported by a strong supply of baseload resources that can operate when the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining.

WILL THE NATION’S ELECTRIC GRID NEED CARBON CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY?

YES!

To maintain the reliability of America’s electric grid, coal and natural gas will need to be used for the foreseeable future. Carbon capture technology is rapidly advancing to significantly lower CO2 emissions from these resources. In fact, Minnkota is currently evaluating Project Tundra, which would equip the Milton R. Young Station with innovative technologies to capture and store carbon emissions from the coal-based power plant – a key resource in meeting your 24/7 energy needs.

WILL THE NATION’S ELECTRIC GRID NEED BATTERY STORAGE TECHNOLOGY?

Battery storage is important to a carbon-free grid because it can provide energy when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. This is because battery storage systems can store excess energy generated during periods of high production and then release it during periods of low production. Current lithium-ion technology only provides for 2-4 hours of discharge from the battery. That will need to increase to multiple days for battery storage to begin making a significant impact.

WILL THE NATION’S ELECTRIC GRID NEED NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS?

WILL THE GRID NEED MORE TRANSMISSION LINES?

YES!

Nuclear power plants provide reliable, carbon-free electricity to America’s electric grid. Technological advancements have been made to improve safety, efficiency and waste management. Additionally, new reactor designs like small modular reactors are being developed that are smaller, cheaper and safer than traditional large-scale reactors.

There’s no energy transition without transmission. Billions of dollars in new power line development and other grid upgrades are planned across the Upper Midwest over the next decade. That’s only scratching the surface. Significant modernization of the electric grid will be needed to support the expansion of renewable resources and other technologies.

Check out our Pinterest page for more member recipes!

Grilled peaches

Ingredients:

1 peach, freestone (per person)

Neutral-flavored cooking oil (grapeseed or canola)

1 Tablespoon brown sugar (per peach)

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (per peach)

Preparation: Prepare the grill to medium heat. Cut the peaches in half and pit them. Lightly brush the peaches with oil, coating the cut sides well. Set the oiled peaches cut side down on the medium-hot grill. Make sure they aren’t touching so the hot air of the grill can circulate around each piece. Cook the peaches until grill marks form, turning as necessary. Then, flip the peach halves over, sprinkle with the cinnamon and sugar, if using. Cook until the peaches are tender but not falling apart, about 8 minutes total (4 minutes per side).

Serve grilled peaches as a side dish, in salads, or as a dessert by pairing them with yogurt, whipped cream, crème fraiche, or with scoops of ice cream. Plums are amazing prepared this way too!

Grilled steak pizza

Ingredients:

2 cups balsamic vinegar

1¼ pound steak (skirt or flank works nicely)

Homemade or premade pizza dough

1 cup grated Fontina cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

4 ounces crumbled blue cheese, divided

½ red onion, halved and sliced

1 cup baby arugula or spinach

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Preparation:

Grill the steak until it has reached your preference of doneness. Tent with foil and allow to rest before slicing thin. In a medium bowl, combine the Fontina, mozzarella, and half of the blue cheese.

Grilled s’mores dessert dip

Ingredients:

6 graham crackers, roughly crushed

2 cups milk chocolate chips

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Mini marshmallows

Graham cracker

Strawberries

Preparation: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 450° F). Crush graham crackers. Add graham crackers crumbs to the bottom of a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. Fill skillet to about ½ inch from the top with chocolate chips. Add marshmallows on top of chocolate chips. Place on grill and cook for about 5 minutes, turn the burner off on one side, and move skillet over. Continue cooking until marshmallows are toasted. Remove from the grill and serve immediately with crackers or strawberries. For a twist on the original recipe, cut back on the chocolate chips and incorporate 6 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Roll pizza dough, sprinkle the bottom of the pizza pan with cornmeal, transfer the dough to the pan, and poke several times with a fork. Brush with garlic olive oil. Slide dough onto the grill, medium to medium-high flame, and cook for 5 minutes, rotating once. Flip the crust and cook for 2 minutes.

Remove from the grill and reduce the heat to low and close the grill. Sprinkle the crust with the blend of cheese. Top with slices of steak, sprinkle with arugula, onion, the remaining blue cheese, and drizzle with balsamic. Carefully slide back onto the grill, close the cover, and heat for an additional 5 minutes, rotating once. Slice and serve.

Intense summer storms can be beautiful to watch, yet have the potential to be very destructive. They can arise quickly, and lightning strikes, booming thunder, and torrential rain are powerful forces that, when coming in contact with utility infrastructure, can lead to power outages and damage to equipment.

Head indoors at the first sign of lightning and invest in a surge protection device for your home electronics. Here are some lightning safety tips to keep you and your family safe:

• Stay off corded phones, computers and other

safety

Summer storm Safety

electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.

• Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths, and faucets.

• Stay away from windows and doors and stay off porches.

• Immediately get off elevated areas.

• Never lie flat on the ground.

• Never shelter under an isolated tree.

• Immediately get out of and away from bodies of water.

Backup generators are great during power outages, but please be sure a licensed professional installed it through a transfer switch. Improperly

wired generators can result in electricity backfeeding onto power lines, which can be incredibly dangerous for co-op lineworkers and those inside your home. Never operate a generator indoors or in confined spaces.

A good tip to remember: Keep fridges and freezers closed as much as possible during a power outage. An unopened refrigerator will safely keep food cold for about four hours; a full freezer will do so for about 48 hours.

For more information about how to protect your home electronics and appliances, visit CassCountyElectric.com.

CCEC outage restoration steps:

1. In situations where substation control equipment notifies technicians of an abnormality, technicians communicate with meters to see which meters are “talking back.”

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

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

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

5. Power control technicians may remotely reroute (switch) power in situations where this is possible.

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

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

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

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

Members are helping members. For less than $1 per month, you can make a difference in your community. Participation is simple: Your monthly electric bill is rounded up to the nearest dollar, an estimated average of $6 per year. You can see a summary of contributions on your January electric bill. A volunteer board meets quarterly to distribute the funds used primarily within Cass County Electric Cooperative’s service area for charitable, educational, environmental, and emergency assistance purposes. The funds are never used for political purposes or utility bills.

Operation Round Up

Cass County Electric Cooperative Foundation

The Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead (RACC) provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic/ dating violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, trafficking/sexual exploitation, and child sexual abuse in eastern North Dakota and west central Minnesota.

They are committed to transforming our community’s response to violence and abuse to ensure healing for those who have been victimized and personal safety for all.

RACC was founded in 1977 when two local agencies –WomanAbuse, serving battered women, and the Rape Crisis Center, serving victims of sexual violence – merged to provide comprehensive, accessible services. They were one of North Dakota and Minnesota’s earliest violence intervention centers and provide crisis intervention, counseling services, community education, and community service coordination.

All victim services are free, confidential, accessible, appropriate, and distributed on a nondiscriminatory basis. Their community prevention and education programs provide personal safety, domestic violence awareness, and healthy relationship curricula to all Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead public schools. They also provide training and education presentations to community businesses, agencies, and groups.

Featured recipient: Rape & Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead

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

2020 Coachman Chaparral 370FL 5th wheel camper, 5 slides, 2 sofas, 2 reclining sofas, full refrigerator, fireplace, freezer, Cali. King bed, dryer hook-ups, outside shower, one owner, purchased new, sleeps 6, $53,000. 701-566-4560

1 pair of 14-carat gold stud diamond earrings, ½ carat total weight, $900/ OBO. 701-540-1456

Beef; quarters, halves, whole. 701-2610671

Stihl gas weed trimmer FS 46 model, $150. Craftsman gas yard blower/ vacuum, $100. E2 round bar stabilizer distributing hitch, 1,000 lb. tongue weight, 10,000 lb. trailer weight, $250. 701-640-7639

2 Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 plus tires, 225/65R16, $50/ea. 701-866-8841

Indoor plants; make an offer to cover the cost of the pot, variety avail. 701-212-5081

Metro electric scooter, like new, $700. 701-430-9627

Milwaukee electric Sawzall w/ metal case, $20. 2 cycle 128 Husqvarna weed eater, $50. 701-840-1094

Old wooden slide & swing set available, free, must pick-up & transport. 701-8936825

Frigidaire 50-pint dehumidifier, $125. Maroon La-Z-Boy rocker recliner, $25. Electric meat grinder, $200. New ladder stabilizer, $350. 701-566-7165

Brown cloth loveseat w/ 6 matching pillows, $55. Senior walker, new, $25.

2000 Shadow Spirit Honda showroom condition, orig. stickers still on the gas tank, 8,000 mi, $3,000 firm, cash only. 701-298-3776

Browning Citori 12 GA. Shotgun, $850.

Horse-drawn plow 9” cut, rare, $250. IH model 4600 field cultivator 32’. $3,000. 701-646-6159

2 split king Tempur-Pedic mattresses, like new, $500/ea. 701-219-5743

Husqvarna pull type leaf bagger, $350. 3-pt PTO spreader, $400. 701-929-0017

Golf pull cart, parts, & wheels. Used golf balls. Books. Antique American soldiers & toys. Red Wing crocks; 20 gal., 3 gal. Cash only. 701-799-4677

John Deere SRX75 30” riding lawn mower w/ bagger, $375/OBO. 701-3670115

IGLOO 24-qt cooler, new, $50. American Metal Ware Co. 3 gal. watercooler bowl, $100. 701-840-1937

John Deere rear bagger & power flow (7 Bushel), $100. Harley Davidson blaster cycle dryer, $75. HOG digital touring suspension air pump, $25. 3 Triangle safety warning reflectors, $25. 701-5521015

Pomeranians, registered, declawed, 1st shots, $700. 701-633-5306

Priefert horse bunk feeder & hay rack, $350. 701-306-8183

1982 Buick Riviera Convertible loaded burgundy w/ white convertible top, excellent condition, 65,325 actual miles. 701-793-2748

Wanted

Help wanted: CDL driver, Valley City area, Belly dump/side dump. 701-388-5858

Person to work on a 7,000-watt home backup generator, alternator problem suspected, propane engine. 701-7890011

Used Caterpillar D6, D7, or D8 doze w/ satisfactory undercarriage, w/ dozer blade &/or root rake. 701-388-8789