2023 March Highline Notes

HIGHLINE notes

March 2023

$4.5million

CAPITAL CREDIT RETIREMENT

Nurturing a thriving, innovative & diverse housing industry since 1956, pg. 4

Meet the 2023 director candidates, pg. 6

Board Leadership Changes

The Cass County Electric Cooperative Board of Directors elected Glenn Mitzel, West Fargo, director for district 6, to serve as the board chair after the recent chair, Jeff Triebold, resigned from the board. Former Director Triebold’s departure opened a seat in District 4. During the annual meeting in April, the membership will vote for a new director to fill the vacancy. Terry Kraft, West Fargo, District, Atlarge, was named vice chair/ secretary, and Kalvin Hoff, Fargo, District 8, is treasurer.

NDAREC Board Appointment

Former Director Triebold served on the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) Board. To fill the vacancy because of Director Triebold’s departure, Tom Seymour, West Fargo, director, District 5, was elected by the board to represent Cass County

2023 Legislative Session

The 2023 legislature is in full swing, with over 900 bills introduced. Some of the areas we are watching and providing input on are:

Workforce

Many of our members are challenged with unaffordable and unavailable childcare. This is a hot topic across the state, and several bills have been introduced addressing the issue. In some cases, childcare costs have risen over 40% in the past few years because of high demand, lack of workers, and increased childcare center operating costs. One example of the high price of childcare is that a family with two kids under six years of age pays nearly $24,000 annually for childcare.

Infrastructure Funding

With drought conditions persisting in the State, the need for a secondary water supply for eastern North Dakota remains a high priority. A small portion of the Red River Valley Water Supply Project was funded by the Legislature in the 2021 session and is now under construction. However, future funding has not been allocated and must be fast-tracked to complete the project as soon as possible, as we are one drought away from running low on water.

This will require the Legislature to allocate hundreds of millions of dollars over the next 6-10 years to ensure we have an adequate water supply for our future.

CCEC Operations

Over the past two years, the cooperative has been challenged with supply chain issues, including critical components like transformers, poles, and wires. Not only is material hard to get with lead times of more than one year in many cases, but prices have also increased by more than 40%.

One manufacturing component that has increased in price and is in high demand is electric steel (E-steel). E-steel is one of the main components of an electric transformer. Copper is also in high demand because it is used in the production of transformers and, along with E-Steel, is used to make motors for electric vehicles.

Annual Meeting

CCEC will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Delta Hotel in Fargo. Doors open at 5:00 PM, the meal will be served at 5:30 PM, and the business meeting will begin at 6:00 PM. Districts 4 and at-large will have contested elections. If you are unable to attend the meeting in person to vote for a director, you can request an absentee ballot by calling the office at 701-356-4400, or you can request a ballot on our website at CassCountyElectric.com.

Electric Cooperative on the NDAREC board.

Marshal Albright, Cass County Electric Cooperative president & CEO

Content in every issue

save recipes safety impact ads

STEPS TO MINIMIZE YOUR FLOOD LOSSES

Elevate and anchor critical utilities, such as electrical panels, propane tanks, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems.

Highline Notes

Volume 81, Number 3

Communications:

Jocelyn Lura Hovland

Kaitlyn Hartman

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

JANUARY 2023

The Cass County Electric Board of Directors met in person and virtually on Jan. 31, 2023, and discussed the following topics:

• Moved to approve the January 2023 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes, monthly department reports, director expense report, and the December Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA).

Waterproof your basement, install a water alarm, and maintain a working sump pump. Install a battery-operated backup pump in case of power failure.

Clear debris from gutters and downspouts to avoid accumulation of water.

When flooding is predicted or imminent, move furniture and valuables to a safe place, such as an attic or the highest floor of your home.

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

• Received the 2022 year-end financial report.

• Moved to approve the payout of $4.5 million in capital credits, which includes estate capital credits, early retirement of capital credits less than $1,000, and capital credits for the years 2001 and 2002.

• Moved to approve the transfer of 2022 nonoperating margins to the unallocated reserve account.

• Moved to approve another 3-year lease term with Consolidated Communications.

• Moved to approve a modification to rate 700, non-metered devices.

• Received the 2022 safety report and the 2023 safety training plans.

Turn off all electrical systems in your home—but don’t walk through water to get to the fuse box. If you cannot reach the fuse box without stepping through water, call Cass County Electric at 800-248-3292.

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

• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

Printer: Forum Communications Printing

Board of Directors:

Paul White

Douglas Anderson

Sid Berg

District 4 - Open

Tom Seymour

Glenn Mitzel

Wendy Loucks

Kalvin Hoff

Terry Kraft

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.

Nurturing a thriving, innovative, & diverse housing industry since 1956

The Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead is a volunteerdriven trade organization serving the home building industry and consisting of over 720 Builder, Associate, and Affiliate members. HBA of F-M advocates for attainable housing and a strong building industry as it creates jobs, is an economic driver, and strengthens communities. Members of the Association have a multitude of reasons for being involved, including education opportunities; advocacy efforts at the local, state, and national levels; networking; marketing; and events. Affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders and North Dakota Association of Builders, HBA of F-M members also reap the benefits of membership at the state and local levels.

Cass County Electric Cooperative is an active member of the HBA. Hear from Bob Miller, CCEC energy services supervisor, on why the co-op is a member. “At CCEC, we firmly believe that it is our responsibility to work with local organizations like the HBA of F-M to ensure our members and their contractors have access to safe and efficient energy solutions. By doing this, we ensure that our

members can enjoy a better quality of life. With our commitment to the community and collaboration with the HBA, Cass County Electric Cooperative strives to be our members’ trusted energy advisor.”

Workforce Development

The Association also has a charitable arm, appropriately named Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation. It focuses on workforce development, promotes the trades industry to youth, and assists with housing projects in the F-M community.

To introduce youth to the construction industry, the Herdina Construction Trades Camp provides a two-week course for high school students in the summer. Working side-by-side with professionals introduces students to the trades, opens their eyes to new interests, and highlights the plethora of career opportunities in the industry. Each December, the Health, Tech, and Trades Career Expo also provides youth with an opportunity to experience careers that do not require four-year degrees. Early career exploration is pertinent, especially when it comes to a skilled labor force, and the HBA, along with

Home Builders Care Foundation, is at the forefront of providing opportunities to do just that.

Each year, the National Association of Home Builders Student Chapters attend the International Builders’ Show to participate in a homebuilding competition. North Dakota State College of ScienceWahpeton and North Dakota State University attended in 2023 and received 2nd and 18th place in their categories! Home Builders Care supports their teams through financial assistance and mentorship. The International Builders’ Show also provides students going into the trades networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Events

One of the largest local events to showcase the building industry and bring our community together is the Red River Valley Home & Garden Show, which took place Feb. 24-26 at the Fargodome. For 2023, the HBA unveiled a new logo, and there were additional entertainment features to check out!

They included an indoor version of Broadway Square presented by

Home Builders Association hosts regular Building Industry Connect events for members to meet local officials over lunch and learn about their communities on a more personal level. Pictured is West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis with several members and staff.

the Fargo Park District with fun community events held daily. Lake Home Avenue allowed attendees to find inspiration for their lake cabin or get a head start on making their dream a reality! The Spring Market was a showcase of local small businesses showing off their home décor, jewelry, gourmet food, clothing, pet accessories and much more! And the Backyard Beer Garden, newly designed by Hebron Brick Supply, was the perfect spot to have a cold one on a date or bro hang.

As times change, the Association also looks for ways to evolve. In 2023 you can expect an updated Parade of Homes. Taking place in the spring and fall, the Parade is a way for community members or visitors to tour houses to discover design ideas or even begin the buying process. Updates for this year include combining the Downtown Living Tour and Remodeled Tour with the traditional Parade of Homes, making it a chance to experience all types of housing.

Information and Education

Professional development is at the heart of the HBA’s mission. Opportunities for industry training, continuing education, and updates on industry issues are readily available to all members. The Association also publishes Permits Plus, a bimonthly report on building permits that provides an inside look at the industry’s performance. All education topics are hand-picked by an education committee, so

members can count on sessions to be informative and timely topics.

Advocacy

The building industry has witnessed many challenges in the past few years. With volatile material costs, labor shortages, the pandemic, and now higher interest rates, it is evident that communities need to take steps to increase housing affordability, attainability, and homeownership rates. HBA supports elected officials that understand the need for a thriving construction industry and advocates for legislation, regulations, and codes that are reasonable. Members can rest easy knowing that advocacy efforts are successfully conducted at all levels of government, as each impact how affordable housing can be.

HBA of F-M CEO Bryce Johnson notes that “With rising interest rates, there is an anticipated slowdown in the market. However, interest rates are still relatively low! Even with the challenges the industry has faced, there are still many reasons to build a new home or purchase an existing home. Homeownership creates better neighborhoods, closer communities, and safer places to live, work, and play. There are many fantastic economic homeownership tools available to those looking to purchase or build a home. While you are house searching, look at the city’s website, ask your Realtor, or contact the city and see what they have to offer. You may be surprised!”

Find out more about joining the HBA of F-M, resources and events, through the following

websites:

Home Builders Association hbafm.com

Home Builders Care Foundation hbcfm.com

Red River Valley Home & Garden Show homeandgardenshowfm.com

Parade of Homes paradefm.com

The Association also has a charitable arm, named Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation. It focuses on workforce development, promotes the trades industry to youth, and assists with housing projects in the F-M community. Pictured above is the Health, Tech & Trades Career Expo and the Herdina Construction Trades Camp.

Meet the 2023 DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

The candidates were asked to answer the question, Why are you interested in running for the CCEC board of directors? Incumbents are indicated with (I) behind their name.

I am running for the board of directors because I am interested in CCEC’s diversified members, from small farms and towns to metropolitan hospitals and industries. These members count on a dependable power source at a fair price. I admire CCEC for its work to provide reliable and affordable power to rural North Dakota.

I believe that my experience in agricultural engineering and business management qualifies me to assist the cooperative in making sound decisions. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve on the board and contribute to CCEC’s growth and success.

I am interested in the CCEC Board of Directors because having safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy is essential for the success of North Dakota. CCEC is an effectively run not-for-profit cooperative meeting this challenge; however, there is much work to be done in the pursuit of energy policy.

Additionally, the energy industry provides critical employment opportunities for our citizens. My two oldest children work in the energy industry; my oldest works in western North Dakota for a coal company, and my daughter graduates this spring as a civil engineer and starts a job in transmission and distribution.

Growing up in the area, I understand its people, history, and climate. After being a CCEC member for 35 years, I want to give back to the organization.

As a business owner and professional, I have worked with many entities over the years and feel I have much experience to share. Being on other boards as well, I understand the fiduciary responsibilities a board member has to the members. With a lifetime of dealing with opportunities/ problems/decisions, a person develops an aptitude for analyzing, prioritizing options, anticipating issues, and implementing an effective plan.

As a member of Cass County Electric for over 10 years, I have appreciated the approach that leadership takes to achieve safe,reliable, and affordable electricity.

As we move forward, we must recognize our impacts on the environment, but the costs cannot outweigh the benefits. If you do not have reliable energy, people suffer. We must recognize that many CCEC members live on fixed incomes and need consistency when it comes to their electric bill.

CCEC has a great history of responsible investing in all-of-the-above energy, and I wish to make sure those investments do not hit our fellow members in their pocketbook.

Paul White (I) District 1 Gwinner

Jeff Dahl District 4 Fargo

Levi Otis District 4 Argusville

Stacey Ackerman District 4 Fargo

Members of the Cass County Electric Cooperative Board of Directors are elected to three-year terms every spring. Directors must be members of the cooperative and be a bona fide resident of the director district in which they are seeking directorship. That means you, as a member, can have a say in Cass County Electric operations by voting for your directors. Democratic member control is one of the principles that sets cooperatives apart from other types of businesses and utilities.

View the back page of the magazine for annual meeting and voting information.

My experiences as a North Dakota state senator, city alderman, SRT director, and technology professor have helped me be an appropriate leader during my six years on the CCEC board.

Last year, I earned the NRECA Gold Credential designation and have shown leadership and electrical industry knowledge at CCEC board meetings. This past November the CCEC board elected me to the NDAREC board. The cooperative’s outstanding leadership staff and employees have been the key to its success. I serve to promote our mission statement to serve our members’ energy needs with affordable, safe, and reliable electricity. View my qualifications at tomseymour66.com.

My interest in running for the Cass County Electric Cooperative Board of Directors comes from my passion to serve our community and belief that we should give back by sharing our gifts.

The electric industry has many challenges ahead as more electrified loads are added to our grid. I would like to use my operational knowledge, leadership skills and trust in Cass County Electric Cooperative to be of service as we make decisions to ensure Cass County Electric Cooperative continues to provide safe, reliable, affordable, and sustainable electric service for our current and future members.

I have been a co-op member since 1984, and had the privilege of serving CCEC as a Director since October 2020. During my tenure I completed the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certificate, currently serve on the Square Butte board and attended numerous seminars focused on power distribution and energy production to better service our region and co-op.

As a business leader, I worked at Case New Holland (CNH) and Swanson Health Products in Engineering and Operations Management capacities. I attended NDSU and MSUM for engineering and business management. I would appreciate your support in the April election.

I’ve decided to run for the board of director’s AL position due to my desire to be a good steward to others and to ensure that the company has adequate resources to accomplish its mission and to advocate for other sources of renewable energies that will be sustainable and affordable to customers, and profitable to investors and the company itself, now and in the future. Also to ensure the risk management, finances and organizational culture are efficient and effective for growth and retaining highly skilled employees that contribute to the core and values of the company.

Tom Seymour (I) District 5 West Fargo

Terry Kraft (I) District At-large West Fargo

Trixie Musasa District At-large Fargo

Judy Aafedt District At-large Fargo

$

1

Cass County Electric tracks how much electricity you buy and how much money you pay for it throughout the year.

2

We pay the bills for things like power generation, maintenance, and new construction.

3

Then, at the end of the fiscal year, the board of directors determines if there are excess revenues, called margins.

MY CAPITAL CREDITS? OR

4

Next, the cooperative allocates those margins to members as capital credits based upon their electric bill.

5

Lastly, your board of directors decides to retire, or pay, the capital credits when our financial condition permits.

$4. 5 million

The Cass County Electric board of directors has approved the retirement of capital credits for the years 2001 and 2002 as well as estate and early retirement payments.

These credits’ taxability depends on whether your electric bills served as a business tax deduction on your income tax return for the years in which the capital credits were allocated. For most individuals, the receipt of capital credits is non-taxable. Please contact your tax preparer if this tax deduction pertains to you, as this information is provided as a courtesy and is not intended to be construed as legal or tax advice.

Your board of directors just approved a record $4.5 million in capital credit retirements!

It pays to be a co-op member!

Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) is excited to announce that it will be returning $4.5 million in capital credits to its members who paid for electricity in 2001 and 2002. CCEC’s board of directors approved the retirement at its January 2023 meeting.

Cass County Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit organization, meaning we operate at cost, and any excess revenues, or margins, are returned to our members in the form of capital credits. Since our inception, Cass County Electric Cooperative has retired more than $31.5 million.

Active consumer-members: In March, capital credits earnings will be applied, but reflected on your February billing statement. Notification of the retirement is on your billing statement.

Inactive consumer-members: Generally, the cooperative will issue capital credit checks in March. However, if the retirement amounts are less than $5, consumermembers will not be issued a check. Instead, the retirement amount will be posted to the member’s account, unless one of the following circumstances apply:

• The member will not be receiving any future retirements from the cooperative.

• The current retirement amount plus any retirements from prior years have accumulated beyond the $5 threshold. In this case, the current retirement amount, along with the previously retired amounts, will be returned to the member as a check.

How does the capital credit process work?

1. CCEC keeps track of how much electricity you buy and how much money you pay for it throughout the year.

2. At the end of the year, the cooperative completes financial matters and determines whether there are excess revenues, called margins.

3. Consumer-members receive a portion of the margins as capital credits based upon the amount of revenue each member contributed throughout the year.

4. When CCEC’s financial condition permits, your board of directors decides to retire, or pay, the capital credits for previous years.

5. The cooperative notifies you of how and when you’ll receive capital credit retirements.

Rebates for up to $250/ton are available through Cass County Electric. Scan the code to learn more or call our energy services department to ask how you can save on heating and cooling.

Small device = BIG savings for CCEC members

Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) strives to provide a personal touch to the way we do business. To achieve that goal, we developed our energy management programs (offpeak) in our members’ interest. We designed these programs to make your life easier, more comfortable, and affordable. Off-peak electric heating is one of the most efficient and economical ways to heat your home. Residential and commercial members alike endorse the programs because they understand that they provide members with the most value for their energy dollars.

The energy management program began as a way to manage power during peak seasonal need without building additional generation resources. CCEC views this program as a tool to keep rates stable by reducing or avoiding purchasing high-cost energy from the wholesale energy market when demand for electricity is peaking.

“Off-peak” is a term used to define loads that are controlled and “off” during “peak” times of electricity demand. The voluntary program allows the cooperative to temporarily interrupt service to a member’s participating loads during high demand or “peak” times—like electric heating, largecapacity water heaters, and electric vehicle charging—in exchange for a lower electric rate during “off-peak” times.

CCEC pioneered its energy management program in 1974 when the West Acres Mall – one of our larger members at that time –was warned by its fuel supplier that its heating needs might go unmet. CCEC fulfilled their need and served 3 MW of heating to their electric boilers.

CCEC’s energy management umbrella includes:

1. Residential

a. Small-capacity water heaters

b. Daily cycle load

i. Large-capacity water heaters

ii. Floor heat

c. Dual heat

d. Cooling/Air conditioning

e. Electric vehicle charging

2. Commercial – generators

3. Agriculture

a. Grain drying

b. Irrigation

An energy management computer at Minnkota Power Cooperative’s (CCEC’s wholesale power provider) headquarters is the brains of the system. It tracks the demand peaks, records when the peak times occur, and helps the control center operators determine the need for load control. When control is needed, the computer sends the control message via the power line. This signal is read by individually programmed ripple or load control receivers at your home, farm, or business.

On average, CCEC members save between $10 and $14 million utilizing CCEC’s off-peak programs yearly!

Home uses electric heat at lower offpeak rate under normal conditions.

Electricity demand exceeds current power supply and economical energy purchases are not available.

When CCEC’s system reaches a high demand “peaking” condition, the electric heat is automatically turned off, and a ripple receiver activates an alternate heating source such as fuel oil or propane to keep your home at the preferred temperature. If the system is sized and installed correctly, you will not even notice you are being controlled – the switching is seamless.

When members are controlled, CCEC avoids paying peak demand charges for that electricity. These savings are passed along to off-peak members through low off-peak heating rates, which are competitive against other sources.

Electric panel

Junction box (Encloses current transformers (CTs) and relays)

Load control is used to avoid uneconomical energy purchases and maintain system reliability.

CCEC’s energy management program has helped strengthen the grid’s reliability, saving members millions of dollars in the process.

Demand is a significant portion of CCEC’s power costs, so members who participate in the off-peak programs help shed demand during peak hours and provide tremendous savings for the wholesale power provider (Minnkota), the distribution co-op (CCEC), and the members. It is a win-win-win situation.

By temporarily controlling members who participate in the off-peak programs, members help the cooperative avoid building new power plants to meet peak electricity demand.

Home is automatically switched from electric to backup heating source. No change in comfort should be noticed between the two systems.

Today, CCEC has nearly 10,300 devices involved in load management, allowing the cooperative to shed nearly 45 MW from its summer peak. That means, in the summer, when intermittent energy sources are not producing, CCEC can curtail almost 20% of its total summer peak. 45 MW is equal to 10,000 electric waters running simultaneously. The winter capability is more substantial, with the ability to shed up to 100 MW or 40% of its load.

To learn how off-peak may work for you, please contact our energy management department at 701356-4400 or energy@kwh.com.

Ripple control (Interrupts load. Also a visual indicator)

Off-peak meter (Preferred location is outdoors next to the primary meter)

Check out our Pinterest page for more member recipes!

Soups to keep you warm until spring

Beer cheese soup

Ingredients:

½ cup butter

½ large onion, diced

1 cup flour

32 ounces chicken broth

1-1/2 cups half and half

16 ounces Cheez Whiz

6 ounces beer

½ cup celery, chopped

Croutons or popcorn

Preparation:

Melt butter in a large saucepan. Sauté onion in butter. Add flour and blend over low heat until smooth. Add room-temperature broth. Add half and half, mixing until smooth and thick. Add Cheez Whiz and beer and stir until cheese is melted and thick. Add celery and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Serve with popcorn or croutons.

Taco soup

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 envelope taco seasoning

1 small onion, diced

1 Tablespoon garlic, minced

1 green pepper, diced

1 can Rotel tomatoes

8 ounces cream cheese

1.5 cups beef broth

Chips

Shredded cheese

Preparation:

Brown hamburger with taco seasoning, onion, and garlic in a large pot. Add the bell pepper, tomatoes, and cream cheese until mixed through. Add beef broth and reduce heat to lowmedium and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with shredded cheese and chips.

Broccoli & cheese soup

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon butter

1/3 cup onion, chopped

3 cups chicken broth

2 cups fine egg noodles

½ teaspoon salt

1 package (10 ounces) frozen broccoli

1 garlic clove, crushed

3 cups milk

2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed

Preparation: In a large saucepan, heat butter, add onion, and sauté over medium heat until golden. Add chicken broth, and heat to boiling. Gradually add noodles and salt and cook covered for 3 minutes, occasionally stirring. Stir in broccoli and garlic and cook for 4 minutes more. Add milk, cheese, and pepper to taste and cook until cheese is melted. Do NOT boil.

Slough soup

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef

Pepper to taste

1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning

4 ribs celery, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

2 (15-ounce) cans cooked wild rice

1 can water

3 drops Tabasco

2 cubes beef bullion

3 cans cream of mushroom soup

Preparation: Brown hamburger. Add pepper, Italian seasoning, celery, and onion. Sauté until celery is soft. Add remainder of ingredients and heat to low-medium, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Crockpot potato soup

Ingredients:

5 cups water

6 potatoes, peeled, chopped

1 carrot, chopped

4 chicken bouillon cubes

1 Tablespoon parsley flakes

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 onion, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

1/3 cup butter

1 (13-ounce) can evaporated milk

Preparation: Dissolve bouillon cubes in water and place all ingredients except evaporated milk in a crock pot. Cover and cook for 4 hours on high. Stir in milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Farm equipment caused 21 damages to CCEC equipment in 2022. Twelve other machinery-related incidents caused additional equipment damage. There were also 34 dig-ins to CCEC underground plant. Look up. Look out. Live. Power outages caused by damage to underground cables increase every spring. Call 8-1-1 before you dig. It’s easy, and it’s the law.

safety

Reap what you sow: Stay safe during planting season

Long hours and fatigue are a constant battle for farmers during planting season. If you farm, remember to take care of yourself by getting as much rest as possible and allowing yourself breaks to clear your head.

Be especially aware of electrical hazards around the farm. Be cautious and think twice before acting around electricity. Cass County Electric offers farmers the following reminders:

• If your machinery or vehicle comes in contact with a power line, do not get out. Once contact has been made with a live line (even when your tractor or truck makes contact), you are now a “pathway to ground” and you could get electrocuted if you step out. If a fire starts, remove loose clothing items, keep hands at your sides and jump clear away from the vehicle with your feet together. Keep both feet close together and shuffle away from

the vehicle without picking up your feet. If there is no necessary reason to leave the vehicle, stay where you are and call 9-1-1 to dispatch the appropriate utility to de-energize the power.

• If you come across an accident or incident near a downed power line, alert individuals (from a distance) to stay in the tractor or vehicle as long as there is no imminent danger. Do not approach the scene.

• When using machinery with long extensions or tall antennas and when using ladders, look up to avoid contact with overhead power lines.

• Even if there is no contact, an electrical current can jump or arc, so keep equipment at least 10 feet from surrounding power lines at all times.

• Remember, non-metallic materials (such as tree limbs, ropes and hay) can conduct electricity, depending on dampness and dust/dirt

accumulation.

• Visually inspect overhead lines. If a wire is hanging low or is on the ground, consider it energized and stay at least 50 feet away; call 9-1-1 to have the operator dispatch Cass County Electric.

• Every day, map out where equipment will be moved to ensure it will clear power lines.

• When working in the vicinity of power lines, always use a spotter who has a broad vantage point.

• Train anyone working with or for you (including seasonal employees) to be aware of power line locations and teach them proper clearance distance. Also design and implement a safety training program that includes a review of electrical hazards and how to safely deal with power lines.

For more information on electrical safety, go to CassCountyElectric.com.

impact

RDFC offers programs to develop rural communities

The Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC) is a North Dakota nonprofit finance and development corporation whose member-owners include the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC), the Broadband Association of North Dakota (BAND), and all of North Dakota’s electric and telecommunications cooperatives. RDFC encourages economic diversification and community vitality by generating funding that supports sustainable asset building.

Community Capital Loan Fund

The goals of this program are to:

• Assist local development organizations.

• Assist political subdivisions in leveraging additional capital to finance business and community economic development activities.

• Provide microloans, establishing or enhancing revolving loans.

• Provide community loans for residential property or industrial park development, infrastructure, and projects involving essential services.

• Provide other uses considered on a case-by-case basis. RDFC funds must be matched dollar for dollar and be repaid in 10 years or less.

Participation Loan Fund

The purpose of this loan fund is to expand lending capacity to primary sector businesses and the expansion of start-up retail and service-based businesses. The funds can be used for structural improvements, equipment, and expenditures that will enhance the overall image of the business and commercial districts in rural communities.

PACE/Flex PACE Community Loan Fund

This program partners with the Bank of North Dakota (BND) and refers to the guidelines BND uses to administer its interest buydown incentive program (PACE and Flex PACE).

The funds are used to help rural communities leverage the interest buydown. Eligible projects typically include structural improvements, equipment purchases, and expenditures that will enhance the overall image of a business or the commercial district of a rural community and/or provide necessary services. Loans are targeted toward projects that create or retain jobs, add new products or services, and/or construct, renovate, or expand rural businesses.

Grant Program

Quality of life is a fundamental value that drives RDFC’s efforts. This is emphasized through the grant program. Each year, RDFC provides $3,000 in grant funding to each member cooperative, allowing them to develop and aid the communities they serve in a practical and actual way. Below is a list of CCEC’s past two years’ grant recipients.

• Arthur Rural Fire Protection District

• Hunter Fire Department

• Valley City Barnes County Rescue Squad

• Wimbledon Fire Protection District

• North Country Trail

• Sheyenne River Water Trail

“One of Cass County Electric Cooperative’s core principles is Concern for Community,” said Paul Matthys, CCEC vice president of member services. “These grants are one way of helping to ensure that our rural communities enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling quality of life.”

For more information, visit CassCountyElectric.com/RDFCgrant.

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

Norma 380 & 9mm personal defense ammo. 380 is 85 gr. .9mm is 108 gr. $20 per box, located VC. 620-6870185

Leick Laurent end table w/ drawer, 20D x 24W x 24H, solid hardwood, $60. Totes women’s quilted jacket, titanium color, size 3x, never worn, $40. 701-729-6091

Various Camel Zippo lighters, most in box & never used, $5-$100. Early Ford model T headlights & lenses, $30-$70. 701-388-2877

Black & Decker cordless drill, 18V w/ 2 batteries & charger, $25. 701-799-1114

Home grown, corn finished beef, whole, halves, & quarters. 701-2610671

2 sets clean used king bedsheets, taupe color. 701-219-4988

Couch with queen-sized pullout bed, good cond. 701-306-0980

Used golf balls. Ceramic tiles 6x6 & 13x13. Antique American-made toy soldiers & toy vehicles, plastic, pot metal, paper, cast iron, and cardboard. 701-799-4677

2006 Yamaha Stratoliner, 1854cc, 12,500 miles, one owner. 2 18-speed Schwinn bicycles, one 21”, one 23”, excellent cond. Electric lawn edger. Air-operated parts washer. Fargo. 217-549-7846

Wanted

6 – 11 motor, HP Horizontal shaft, whole unit, elec. start. 701-412-4861

Smaller, nice, 20’, hard-sided camper. 218-790-0858

Need help reducing clutter? We buy toys, old stereo equipment, CD & record collections, sports cards, & more. 701-541-7852

800-248-3292 | CassCountyElectric.com

4100 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58104

2023 ANNUAL MEETING YOUR TRUSTED ENERGY ADVISOR

Tues., April 18 • Delta by Marriott, Fargo

VOTING INFORMATION

All cooperative members have the opportunity to vote for directors either in person or by a mail-in absentee ballot. Absentee voting opens Tues., March 7, 2023. Absentee ballots must be received at Vogel Law Firm by noon on Fri., April 14. If you prefer to receive an absentee ballot, please visit CassCountyElectric.com/AM or call 701-356-4400.

PRIZES

Attend for a chance to win a $100 gift card to a local business. Members must be present to win.

LEARN MORE

Quick links to the annual report, bylaw updates, and other noteworthy info is currently available for you to view at CassCountyElectric.com/AM.

PROPOSED AGENDA

• Registration (5:00 PM)

• Meal (5:30 PM)

• Call to order (6:00 PM)

• Establish quorum

• Approve minutes

• Election of directors

• Board chair’s report

• President/CEO’s report

• Financial report

• Old and new business

• Open discussion

• Adjournment