February 2024 Highline Notes

HIGHLINE notes February 2024

Strengthening rural Cass roots, page 4 2023 Christmas storm updates, page 8

CassCountyElectric.com

February 2024 | Highline Notes 1

editorial The 2023 year in review

Marshal Albright, president/CEO Cass County Electric Cooperative modest pace. In 2023, the cooperative added 1,590 new accounts. That includes over 550 apartment units and 715 homes. Kilowatt-hour sales will likely end the year under budget because of a mild heating season and several days of lost sales due to the ice storm.

Reliability The cooperative tracks outage minutes throughout the year in different categories, including weather, dig-ins, cable faults, power supply, and many other factors that cause power outages. As mentioned, the cooperative was on track to have When I was thinking about one of the record reliability through Dec. 24, highlights for 2023, I was planning to 2023. Mother Nature sent us a present report on our best-ever year for service on Christmas Day, and it wasn’t a box reliability through Dec. 24. As many of of coal but rather a sky full of ICE. you know, especially in the rural areas, Mother Nature had a different plan Ice Storm 2023 that turned our dream of greatness As I sat in my living room on into a nightmare. We ended 2023 with Christmas Day, watching it rain, an ice storm for the records; more on knowing the temperature was colder this later. on the western side of our service First, I will review the positive territory by Valley City, my greatest outcomes for the year. fear became a reality: ice was starting Affordability For the sixth straight year, the cooperative held our power cost stable despite the impacts of inflation.

Wholesale power from Minnkota Power Cooperative is the main driver of stable prices, as wholesale electricity makes up about 75% of your bill. The cooperative held operating expenses below budget, mainly because we had significantly fewer storm-related outages last summer.

Growth Despite rising interest rates, new account growth continued at a

to build up on the power lines. The rain was relentless in the Fargo area but mostly remained liquid. That was not the case just west of Fargo, extending from Hunter, N.D., down to the Lisbon area, where ice continued to build.

By Tuesday, Dec. 26th, the linemen restoring power came across more and more downed poles and, in some cases, watched more fall from the Ice buildup and high winds as they worked on restoral. Additional CCEC employees were dispatched to assess damage and a request for mutual aid was sent.

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By Wednesday morning, Dec. 27, an estimated 250-300 poles were down; our response team realized the event was much more severe than originally anticipated, with lines and poles dropping left and right. Mutual aid crews began arriving to assist with restoration.

Throughout the day, more poles and lines fell, now reaching an estimated 500-600 poles on the ground and around 4,700 members without power — partially because we lost power to many of our rural substations because of transmission line outages. More mutual aid was called in. CCEC employees were sent out to assess over 2,500 miles of line to determine the extent of the damage.

The weather forecast on Thursday, Dec. 28, was encouraging, with light winds and 35-degree temperatures, allowing some ice to melt off the lines.

As employees continued to assess the damage, the downed pole numbers continued to climb. Our line crews worked long hours to restore power to as many members as possible.

By Friday, Dec. 29, most ice melted off the lines, which was a HUGE relief knowing no more poles would fall because of ice. The work began to replace poles toppled by ice that was 2-3” thick on some power lines. We continued to assess the damage, and

by Monday, Jan. 1, 1,100, poles had been toppled by the storm, along with hundreds of line breaks.

For another week, CCEC crews and employees, along with help from 100 lineworkers from 15 electric

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Editorial, continued. cooperatives from across North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota, worked tirelessly to restore power. Final numbers will likely be at least 1,200 poles, in need of replacement, and over 100 miles of line were repaired or replaced. The storm also damaged transformers, OCRs, and regulators. On Friday, Jan. 5, power was restored to all active accounts.

The storm repairs should have no impact on rates.

I am grateful for the dedication of all CCEC employees involved in the restoration effort and the 15 cooperatives that came to the rescue by helping another cooperative in need.

The storm will go down as a historic event for the cooperative. Damage estimates will likely exceed $4 million. Fortunately, the cooperative’s board had the foresight to set aside funds for an event like this after the 1997 ice storm/flood decimated our system.

For the members impacted by the storm, we greatly appreciate your understanding and patience in allowing our crews to safely and methodically restore power to the membership.

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS DECEMBER 2023 The Cass County Electric board of directors met in person on Dec. 21, 2023, and discussed the following topics: • Moved to approve the December 2023 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes, monthly department reports, director expense report, and the November purchased power adjustment (PPA).

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

• Received the November 2023 financial report.

• Received the 2024-2025 budget presentation and moved to approve the 2024-2025 budget.

• Moved to approve a resolution to amend the retirement security plan.

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

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

• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024.

- IMPORTANT NOTICE After carefully considering your cooperative’s communication methods, the CCEC board of directors has decided that starting in 2024, CCEC will no longer participate in the distribution of the North Dakota Living publication.

If you wish to subscribe to North Dakota Living at a discounted rate of $12/year, we kindly request that you to sign up at www.ndliving.com/offer or by calling 800-234-0518.

CassCountyElectric.com

Volume 82, Number 2

Communications: Jocelyn Lura Hovland Kaitlyn Hartman

Printer: Forum Communications Printing Board of Directors: Paul White, secretary Douglas Anderson Sid Berg Stacey Ackerman Tom Seymour Glenn Mitzel, board chair Wendy Loucks Kalvin Hoff, treasurer Terry Kraft, vice chair Executive Staff: Marshal Albright, President/CEO Jodi Bullinger, VP of Engineering & Operations Paul Matthys, VP of Member & Energy Services Chad Sapa, VP of Corporate Services & CFO Tim Sanden, VP of Information Technology & CIO Highline Notes (USPS 244-740) is published monthly by Cass County Electric Cooperative Inc., 3312 42nd St. S., Suite 200, Fargo, ND 58104. Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, North Dakota 58104, and at additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Highline Notes 3312 42nd St. S., Suite 200 Fargo, ND 58104 © Copyright Cass County Electric Cooperative 2024. All rights reserved.

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

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

February 2024 | Highline Notes 3

Community of Care Executive Director Myra Hanson meets with former volunteer and current client Bill Kent.

Strengthening rural Cass roots

Community of Care celebrates 20 years of helping older adults remain in the communities they love

Bill Kent has lived in Casselton, N.D., since he was 7 years old. The community has always been home.

It’s the place he returned after eight years with the U.S. Navy and the place that supported him and his family through love and loss.

Now, proudly living on his own at 93 years old, Kent is still able to call Casselton home because of the folks at Community of Care.

“If I need a ride into Fargo, I’m sure they’ll give it to me,” Kent said, laughing and sitting with the employees of Community of Care’s Casselton office. “They’re always here for me if I have any trouble or anything. I just come over. They’re like family.”

Community of Care is a nonprofit organization that serves older adults across the 1,700 square miles of rural Cass County, many of whom are members of Cass

County Electric Cooperative (CCEC).

Whether it’s a ride to a medical appointment, help with a Medicare Part D plan, or an opportunity to socialize, Community of Care is there to help at no charge to the client.

When the nonprofit started as a pilot project in Arthur, N.D., two decades ago, a then-younger Kent was one of the first volunteer drivers. The program has evolved and grown since then, now with six employees and two offices in Arthur and Casselton.

“At that time, 20 years ago, Dr. Judy Ryan was the CEO of Good Samaritan. She had this vision for starting a co-op model, just like the electric co-ops,” said Myrna Hanson, Community of Care Executive Director. Hanson explained that gerontology specialists from across the state came together to develop

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the program, which now includes four legs: Care Coordination, Faith Community Nursing, Volunteer Program and Education.

Community of Care is the only program of its kind in North Dakota, but Hanson is working with North Dakota State University Extension to help develop pilots in other communities.

“We would love to see it expanded.

We’re fortunate that we’ve received some funding through the state, because they recognize that keeping people in their homes is more cost effective,” Hanson said.

“But we’d love to see legislators recognize that this is a great model – not only for the individual, but for the small towns. For example, if you keep somebody living in Arthur, that benefits Arthur.”

Ellen Sterner of Casselton catches a ride with Community of Care transportation volunteer June Calderwood.

Another family In 2022, Community of Care served more than 570 aging clients.

Most worked with one (or more) of the women on Hanson’s team.

Faith Community Nurses Cindi Godbout and Gwen Fraase facilitate exercise and support groups, complete home visits, and answer questions about medications and health conditions. If someone needs a volunteer to take them to an appointment, Volunteer Coordinator Tammy Schempp

makes the call. When Medicare open enrollment rolls around, Care Coordinator/Social Worker Lauren Prante swings into action to answer questions and save money. In 2023, Prante and her volunteers helped save 370 senior clients a total of $559,000. Natalie Keller rounds out the team as Community of Care’s bookkeeper.

“The savings is based on if they change pharmacies, if their medications change, or if their

plan no longer worked with their pharmacies,” Prante said. “And that money stays in our communities.

It’s really neat.”

These women are more than logistical problem solvers and conduits to additional resources.

At their core, they are extended family for those have none, or whose children live in other states or are unable to be around. Many volunteers also fill this role, chatting with clients as they drive them to appointments and offering a steady

Sandie Nystrom of Casselton gets a blood pressure check from Faith Community Nurse (RN) Cindi Godbout.

Story continued on page 6

CassCountyElectric.com

February 2024 | Highline Notes 5

hand as they walk into the clinic.

It’s a warm human presence that makes a difference.

“We hear that they’re thankful it’s here. Even a lot from family members, just being thankful,” Prante said. “The gratefulness of the clients, the thankfulness of the families – our buckets are always full.”

Approximately 58% of Community of Care’s budget comes from donations, memorials, local fundraisers and campaigns. In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the organization launched the Rural Cass Roots Campaign in 2023 with a goal of raising $40,000. “Here in rural Cass County, we are helping to strengthen people’s roots, so that they can stay here. But the support we receive strengthens our roots as well,” Hanson said.

Cass County Electric Cooperative has been a supporter of

Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) is an electric cooperative built by the communities we serve with a mission to deliver reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy.

And, because we answer to local members like you rather than out-of-town shareholders, our electric cooperative has a unique understanding of our local needs.

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

Community of Care since its beginning, when former CCEC General Manager Scott Handy was on the organization’s steering committee. In 2023, Community of Care was a recipient of a CCEC Operation Round Up donation, and CCEC will sponsor a decorated table at the popular Totally Tables fundraiser event in April. This Giving Hearts Day (Feb. 8), CCEC invites its members to join them in giving to Community of Care online at givingheartsday.org.

they our clients, but they’re our volunteers, they’re our donors.

They’re the ones who keep us in their communities, essentially. We wouldn’t be here without them.”

And Kent wouldn’t be in Casselton without Community of Care. “Any time I need help, there’s always somebody here to help me. It’s wonderful,” he said with a smile.

Learn more at CassCountyElectric. com/GHD2024

As followers of the cooperative model, Community of Care and CCEC share the same principles.

They are organizations made by the community, for the community.

That’s what keeps them strong.

“We wouldn’t be here without community. Because community keeps us going. And not just the Casselton community – it is all of the small towns in rural Cass County,” Prante said. “Not only are

Donate

Roughly a third of CCEC’s annual nonprofit giving takes place on Giving Hearts Day. CCEC is proud to announce that we will participate in the Giving Hearts Day Employee Match Program for the third year.

A portion of the dollars spent will be earmarked to match funds for Giving Hearts Day gifts up to $50 per employee. This match stipulates that the organization is a Giving Hearts Day charity participant and provides services in our 10-county service territory.

To make our donations go further, CCEC encourages its employees to pledge to volunteer at these worthy organizations. The opportunity to create something new here while embracing traditional community values has never been greater.

It’s a passion we share with you, our members, for making our community a place we’re all proud to call home. That’s the source of our new energy at Cass County Electric Cooperative. We are here powering your life.

Visit givingheartsday.org to learn how you can help!

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Winter impacts on generation resources Winter has a way of slowing us down. We have to set aside time to shovel the driveway, drive slowly on icy roads and bundle up the kids with extra warm layers. It’s no different for electric generation resources. They all have an Achilles heel in the winter – some more detrimental than others. Minnkota Power Cooperative (Cass County Electric’s power supplier) uses a diverse mix of several resources to ensure a reliable power supply during the coldest, darkest months.

Natural Gas

Coal* Winter impacts: • In extreme cases, blizzardlike conditions may halt coal extraction and delivery to the power plant.

The good news: • Many northern coal-fired power plants like Minnkota’s Milton R. Young Station are mine-mouth, which means transportation to the plant is minimal (and a couple of weeks of coal is stored directly onsite in case of interruption).

These plants are also fully winterized and prepared for subzero temperatures.

Hydro*

Winter impacts: • Gas supplies may be diverted to home and business heating during extended cold snaps.

• Natural gas generators, wellheads and pipelines face operating challenges during extreme cold.

The good news: • Natural gas is often stored in underground reservoirs, which are less susceptible to extreme cold.

Winter impacts: • Rivers and reservoirs can quickly ice up, and that ice buildup can slow water intake and affect turbine performance.

• In rare occasions, extreme cold may lead to reduced water flow due to frozen or reduced precipitation.

The good news: • Hydropower is generally less affected by extreme cold compared to other forms of energy generation, as long as water flow is maintained.

Solar

Wind*

Nuclear

Winter impacts: • Shorter winter days mean fewer hours of sun hitting the solar panels.

• Snow and ice can accumulate on the solar panels, reducing overall generation.

Winter impacts: • Wind turbines can go into shutdown mode when temps drop below -20 degrees.

• Blade icing can decrease a turbine’s ability to catch wind efficiently.

Winter impacts: • Nuclear plants often use rivers or lakes for cooling purposes, and those water intake and discharge systems may freeze up if not weatherized.

The good news: • Solar panels can still generate some power in freezing temperatures, but efficiency decreases significantly.

The good news: • Cold weather packages can be added to wind turbines, but they add cost and lower efficiency.

The good news: • Cold weather can enhance the efficiency of nuclear cooling systems by providing a cooler environment for heat exchange during fission.

*Found in Minnkota’s power supply portfolio

CassCountyElectric.com

February 2024 | Highline Notes 7

2023 Christmas Ice Storm

On Christmas Day of 2023, eastern North Dakota and parts of northwestern Minnesota were struck with a freezing-rain storm of rare proportions. The system lingered long enough to encase the entire region in inches of heavy ice, making roads undrivable, bringing down tree limbs, and snapping hundreds of power lines and poles in many rural communities. The impact to the electric grid was devastating.

STATS (12/25-1/5):

• 4,600 Total accounts affected (estimated) • 12 Days before restoral • 1,200 Broken poles • 100 Mutual aid lineworkers • 30 CCEC lineworkers • 68 CCEC support staff • 20,000 Working hours • 50,000 Miles driven by CCEC vehicles • ZERO OSHA reportable accidents

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COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES We would like to thank our fellow cooperatives and mutual aid line workers for the long hours and hard work they dedicated to helping our cooperative family during this time of need. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our core coop principles. In times like this, our shared commitment to serving our communities is what keeps us strong.

CassCountyElectric.com

February 2024 | Highline Notes 9

WAYS TO PAY

MOBILE APP

ONLINE ACCOUNT

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

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

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

PAPERLESS

AUTOPAY

PREPAY

Reduce your environmental impact today. Sign up for our free paperless billing program.

When you sign up for paperless billing, you receive a chance at a one-time $100 bill credit. This program must be paired with the mobile app or an online account.

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!

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.

PAY NOW

PHONE

PHONE IVR

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.

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

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

BANK DRAFT

MAIL

DROP BOX

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

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

Please do not send cash via the Postal Service.

4100 32nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104

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

4100 32nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104

IN PERSON 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

SIMPLIFY & SAVE. 1. Download the Cass County Electric mobile app

2. Go paperless for a one-time chance to win a $100 energy credit!

10 Highline Notes | February 2024 CassCountyElectric.com

Your HVAC system uses the most energy of any single appliance or system in your home at about 45% of the average U.S. home’s energy consumption.

save

Is your heating system not so hot?

Your home is your refuge from those freezing winter winds. If your heating system has left you feeling a little cold, don’t despair. There are simple actions you can take to warm things up. Start by contacting a qualified pro to inspect and clean your heating system. Beyond that, here are things you should look for to increase comfort and efficiency.

Air leaks Air escaping from your home makes your heating system work harder and you less comfortable.

Check for gaps around exterior doors and windows, as well as wiring or piping holes in your attic or basement walls. Seal any gaps you find with caulk, weatherstripping, or expandable foam.

Dirty filter Dirty filters make your system work harder to get heated air into your living space and can cause damage to system components. Change your filter at the beginning of the heating season and regularly thereafter, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, to ensure efficient performance.

Closed or blocked vents Are some rooms too cold or even too hot? Make sure all supply and return air vents are open and not covered by furniture or rugs. Closed or covered vents restrict airflow, reducing comfort and heating system efficiency.

Thermostat Adjust the thermostat before you go to bed and when your house is empty. Lowering the temperature just a few degrees can add up to big savings on your monthly energy bills.

Lower the temperature when you are at home, and dress for comfort. If you set the thermostat at 68°F instead of 70°F and wear a sweatshirt, you’ll see savings you can really warm up to.

Older system Is your heating system getting along in years or frequently in need of repair? Replace it with an ENERGY STAR®-certified furnace or heat pump.

ENERGY STAR systems use less energy than standard units while providing the same level of performance.

Get an energy checkup Looking to save more? Hire a qualified auditor to perform an energy assessment of your home. You’ll receive a targeted set of recommendations on measures you can take to improve the efficiency of your home and make it more comfortable.

VISIT CASSCOUNTYELECTRIC.COM/CONSERVATION-BLOG FOR TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE

CassCountyElectric.com

February 2024 | Highline Notes 11

impact Operation Round Up Cass County Electric Cooperative Foundation

Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) is reaching out to members that are seeking ways to make a positive impact or facing financial challenges, urging them to consider Operation Round Up.

or $6 yearly, your participation (with a maximum yearly contribution of $11.88) may seem modest, but when multiplied across the 57,000+ enrolled CCEC accounts, it can collectively make a significant impact.

Through the generosity of CCEC members who round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar, the CCEC Foundation, via Operation Round Up, contributes to the co-op communities annually. This unique program, exclusive to electric co-ops, supports charitable organizations, communities with special needs, and CCEC co-op members experiencing loss, personal disasters, or medical emergencies.

Beyond aiding individual coop members during tough times, the fund plays a vital role in supporting charitable organizations. In 2023 alone, 67 organizations received funds.

Your monthly tax-deductible donation can range from one penny to 99 cents. Contributing an average of 50 cents monthly

Since its inception in 1993, Operation Round Up has returned nearly $4.2 million to the co-op communities served.

Administered by a volunteer board of directors, independent of CCEC and comprised of community leaders, funds are granted according to program policies. CCEC is not involved in the distribution or awarding of funds, ensuring

transparency and impartiality.

Funds collected remain within CCEC’s service territory and benefit members, not covering electric bills or serving political or religious purposes. Participation is voluntary, allowing members to opt-out at any time.

CCEC expresses gratitude to members rounding up their bills through Operation Round Up, highlighting their contributions during times of heightened need as a testament to being co-op strong. To learn more, visit CassCountyElectric.com/ ORU. For additional details and previous fund recipients, visit the website. To enroll, contact CCEC at 701-356-4400 or oru@kwh. com. A small change can make a significant difference.

Small Change. BIG IMPACT.

12 Highline Notes | February 2024 CassCountyElectric.com

t

Check out our Pinterest page for more member recipes!

recipes Blizzard recipes. No appliances needed.

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

Buffalo chicken wraps

Green bean salad

Antipasto salad

Ingredients: 2 tortillas 1 can canned chicken, drained 1/8 cup Red Hot sauce Diced tomatoes, drained Shredded cheese Shredded lettuce Shredded carrot Diced onions Diced avocado Ranch or blue cheese dressing, optional Preparation: In a bowl, combine chicken and Red Hot sauce. Spread half onto each tortilla and top with desired remaining ingredients. Wrap tightly and serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese. Serves 2.

Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil 2 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp apple cider vinegar 1 tsp honey 1 can green beans, drained 2 Tbsps almond slivers or sunflower seeds Preparation: Mix the oil, mustard, vinegar, and honey. Add the green beans and almonds into a bowl with the dressing and toss. Serves 2.

Ingredients: 6 ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts Canned olives 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved Jar of roasted red peppers Salami, diced (let’s be real though, most of us only actually have summer sausage on hand) Prosciutto 1/3 cup feta Dressing 1/8 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp minced garlic Salt and pepper to taste Preparation: Prepare dressing. Combine the remainder of the ingredients in a bowl. Pour dressing over and toss to mix.

Tuna and white bean salad Ingredients: 1 can white beans, rinsed 1 can chunk light tuna in water, drained 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes 2 green onions 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 Tbsp olive oil Salt & pepper to taste

Preparation: Combine the beans and tuna in a bowl. Thinly slice the green onions and add to the bowl. Add the olive oil and lemon juice to the bowl, along with salt and pepper. Stir.

CassCountyElectric.com

February 2024 | Highline Notes 13

Frayed or damaged extension cords are dangerous and should never be used. Damage to the cord can expose wires and cause fire and shock hazards.

safety

Four common culprits of electrical fires Winter is the perfect time to evaluate the safety of your home’s electrical system. Outdated wiring and overloaded circuits are the most common causes of electrical fires. Check the following areas of your home to ensure your home’s electrical safety is up to par.

1. Electrical outlets Faulty electrical outlets are a leading cause of home fires. As outlets age, so do the wires behind them that you can’t see. Any loose, damaged or warm-to-the-touch outlets should be repaired or replaced.

2. Electrical wiring Outdated wiring is another common cause of electrical fires. Frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights and burning smells are clear warning signs. If your home is more than 20 years old, it may not be able to handle today’s increased power load. If you suspect your home’s wiring is outdated, leave this one to the pros and contact a qualified electrician.

3. Overloaded cords and outlets Extension cords are not permanent solutions. If your big-screen TV, home theater system and other electronics are plugged into one extension cord, it’s time to call an electrician and install additional outlets.

4. Old appliances Older appliances are more likely to have loose or damaged wiring, which means they’re more likely to catch fire. Check older appliances for damage and determine if it’s time to upgrade or replace. Also check to ensure you’re using appliance-grade outlets. A qualified electrician can help with installation.

14 Highline Notes | February 2024 CassCountyElectric.com

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 Slim cycle exercise bike. Smokeless indoor electric grill. Honeywell space heater. Martino short leather waterproof boots, 9.5 W. Jumper cables. Schwinn 26” women’s manual bike. Sm. Stereo, AM & FM, cassette and CD. New bike helmet.

Bike rack. 701-936-0357 Wood office desk, heavy duty, $100.

2 bedroom timeshare to rent, you choose where, 2 weeks avail.

701-282-8284 Champion portable generator, 6,000 kW, 7,500 startup, only used 1 hour.

701-540-8776 7 white 13 ½” floor registers. New ladder stabilizer, $300. Maroon La-ZBoy rocker recliner, $25. Pompadour china 8-piece place setting & serving dishes, $50. White hanging light, $10. 701-566-7165 2019 Avalon Catalina Tritoon 2385 Quad lounger w/ tarp, Mercury 200hp four stroke w/ 152 hours, Hummingbird depth finder, sea legs

w/ remote control, Turbo swing tow bar, Electric Bimini top, red & black color, $53,500. 701-280-2636 H2003 Harley Davidson Fatboy 100th anniversary, 13,000 miles, fuel injected, detatchable windshield, screaming eagle pipes, lockable saddlebags, chrome swingarm.

701-361-2551 KneeRover steerable knee scooter w/ basket, used indoors very little, exc. cond. $80. 701-361-7294 Toy Farmer Magazine, monthly publications by Toy Farmer in LaMoure, ND, 60 issues from 19862000, $20 for all. 701-238-7693 PSE Advantage Thunder Bolt RH compud bow, 30” draw, 70# max pull, sights, stabilizer, quiver, arrows, & hard case, $100/OBO. Colfax 662-386-3286 4 hole clam 5600 ice fishing house, like new, used once, $200. 54” vinyl wall covering full 30 yard rolls & partial rolls, $1.50/yard. 701-540-7929

American made large antique toy solider collection. 50 strategy books on game of English Draughts (common) checkers. 701-893-6888 White wedding dress, worn twice, size 16, $350/OBO. Brown coffee table 52” wide, 28” across, 18” high, $250/OBO. 701-540-1456 Vintage 1948 Sears Kenmore sewing maching model #117-511, w/ treadle & electric motor, good cond., $200.

701-541-6325 Free AARP Safe Driver Class, Ed Clapp Senior Center, 2nd Thursday of every month in 2024, 12:30-4:30 Need to preregister. 701-298-3976 Wanted Adjustable female mannequin 701541-5036 Sale brochures for farm tractors, equipment, & autos. Cash for pre1990. 701-371-3135

Roads, ditches, and fields contain debris from the ice storm, posing risks Whether you’re a winter activity enthusiast or working on strom cleanup, please be cautious debris could be hidden in snow and ice. Be careful, stay alert don’t get hurt

CassCountyElectric.com

February 2024 | Highline Notes 15

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2024 ANNUAL MEETING: THE POWER OF OUR PEOPLE Tuesday, April 16, 2024 5:00-6:00 Registration | 5:00-6:00 Meal | 6:00 Business Meeting Delta by Marriott, Southwest entrance: 1635 42nd St SW, Fargo

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