June 2024 Highline Notes

editorial

The most pressing issue we face

Paul Matthys, president/CEO Cass County Electric Cooperative

Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) takes seriously our commitment to providing reliable, affordable electricity for your family, farm, or business when you need it.

We are proud of our 99.99% system reliability. Your electric cooperative works every day to control what it can control so you have reliable power. From trimming trees to regular pole testing and upgrading aging infrastructure, these investments help ensure our local electric system is reliable.

Of course, some things are out of your cooperative’s control, like the weather. But we know how to overcome storms. Our line crews are prepared and trained to respond to outages in bad weather.

Other issues arise, too – those we cannot control but may influence. What am I talking about? Regulation, legislation, and politics. Because each affects electric cooperatives, CCEC is a member of national and statewide electric cooperative associations, which advocate for policies that benefit electric cooperatives. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is our voice in Washington, D.C., and the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) is our advocate in North Dakota.

We do our best to avoid political talk in your electric co-op magazine (unlike that one uncle at Thanksgiving), but sometimes critical national or state issues arise

that can’t – and shouldn’t – be avoided.

On April 25, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new power plant rules that threaten U.S. electric reliability and would force the premature retirement of reliable, dispatchable, baseload electric generation assets. It’s the most pressing issue electric cooperatives face today.

Why? And how does it affect you?

EPA rules

The EPA rules aim to cut emissions from power plants by imposing unrealistic timelines and relying on technology that is not yet deployable.

To operate past the start of 2039, the new regulations require existing coal-fired power plants to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90% by 2032. To do so requires coal plants to deploy carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies. Though promising and actively being pursued by electric cooperatives, CCS is not yet proven or commercially available. Coal plants unable to meet the new emission standards would be forced to shut down. New natural gas units must also meet the new standards.

How it affects you

CCEC and our power supplier have mechanisms in place to mitigate risk and keep our local electric system reliable.

One way to accomplish this is with a diverse energy portfolio. The electricity you use at any given time may be powered by a variety of energy sources – environmentally beneficial renewables like wind and solar, hydro, natural gas, or coal. The resources complement each other. If one energy source is unavailable, there is usually another source available to compensate.

Coal has long provided CCEC’s members with always-available, low-cost power. With the technologies available today, a future without coal threatens the reliability you enjoy as a member of this cooperative.

Simply put, the EPA power plant rules jeopardize our ability to keep the lights on. It will lead to more blackouts, higher costs, and uncertainty for families and businesses.

What you can do

Join the network of electric co-op members working together to influence elected officials who are making energy policy decisions that impact our co-ops and our rural way of life. Sign up at www. voicesforcooperativepower.com.

Know that CCEC and electric cooperatives nationwide are working hard to protect your interests. We will continue to oppose these problematic rules, seek solutions to reliability challenges, and never forget our commitment to you.

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BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

APRIL 2024

The Cass County Electric board of directors met in person on April 30, 2024, and discussed the following topics:

• The board held its annual reorganization meeting with the following officers elected:

o Board Chair: Glenn Mitzel

o Vice Chair: Terry Kraft

o Secretary: Paul White

o Treasurer: Kalvin Hoff

• The board welcomed the newly elected District 3 director, Vanessa Kummer. Director Mitzel was selected as the alternate on the NDAREC board.

• It was moved to approve the April 2024 consent agenda for the regular board meeting, which includes minutes, monthly department reports, a director expense report, the March purchased power adjustment (PPA), and the annual report on disaster recovery status.

• President/CEO Paul Matthys gave the president’s report, providing updates from annual employee informational meetings and meetings and conferences attended.

• Received the first quarter 2024 financial report.

• Received reports from the Minnkota board, member, and annual meetings.

• Received a report from the Square Butte board meeting.

• Received a report from the NDAREC board meeting.

• Reported on the 86th Annual Meeting held on April 16, 2024.

• Received the 2023 Operation Round Up annual report.

• Received a report on the 2023 IRS form 990.

• Moved to approve the April 2024 capital credit estate payments.

• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

The next board meeting is Tuesday, June 25, 2024.

Communications:

Jocelyn Lura Hovland

Kaitlyn Hartman

David Youngs

Printer: Forum Communications Printing

Board of Directors:

Paul White, secretary

Douglas Anderson

Vanessa Kummer

Stacey Ackerman

Tom Seymour

Glenn Mitzel, board chair

Wendy Loucks

Kalvin Hoff, treasurer

Terry Kraft, vice chair

Executive Staff: Paul Matthys, President/CEO

Jodi Bullinger, VP of Engineering & Operations

Chad Brousseau, 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.

Leading through relationships

CCEC introduces new Vice President of Member and Energy Services, Chad Brousseau

Chad Brousseau is no stranger to the cooperative world.

He chuckles as he reminisces down memory lane: countless summer evenings spent outside with other cooperative children at BEK Communications Cooperative annual meetings and barbeques, where his dad, Randy, worked in telecommunications for 25 years.

Little did Brousseau know that those childhood experiences would be far from his last involvement with the cooperative world. Decades later, a straight shot east down I-94 from his hometown of Steele, Chad Brousseau is Cass County Electric Cooperative’s newest Vice President of Member and Energy Services.

Unexpected but always there

Brousseau never anticipated working for an electric cooperative, yet the cooperative culture was ingrained in his upbringing in one way or another.

“As I grew older, I began to play on softball teams and golf with my dad and his coworkers at BEK,” Brousseau reflected. “They always spoke highly of the cooperative and the sense of community, so it was always in the back of my mind.”

Sure enough, Brousseau enrolled at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) to pursue Electronics. He hoped to follow up with an Electrical Engineering degree at North Dakota State University (NDSU) and land a job in

telecommunications like his dad.

Yet, as much as one may craft one’s blueprint, life often writes its own.

Insert Cass County Electric Cooperative

“Between my first and second year at NDSCS, I saw a flyer for a summer energy management technician internship at Cass (County Electric) that would allow me to work and receive college credit,” Brousseau said.

He landed the gig and spent the summer working on 1970s-style ripple controls and building bridges - enough to continue his role on weekends that fall after school had started.

Brousseau graduated from NDSCS the following spring and was ready to ship north to Fargo to attend NDSU.

“I had my bags packed, landed a scholarship, received my class schedule, and basically just had to show up,” he laughed.

Brousseau’s success in his internship and CCEC thought otherwise.

“A full-time position opened up in CCEC’s power control center, and Jeremy Mahowald, my boss at the time, and Paul Matthys (current CCEC CEO/ president who worked in energy management at the time) thought I’d be a good fit,” Brousseau recalled. “I applied and was fortunate enough to get an offer.”

It was decision time. Stay put on the path he had planned or take a chance on the offer?

“I talked to my folks, and my dad said, ‘When you get a chance to get in with a cooperative full time, that doesn’t happen often,’” Brousseau said.

Twenty-four years later, Brousseau has only worked at two places.

“Our local grocery store, K&L Supervalu, from eighth grade through senior year of high school and now Cass County Electric Cooperative.”

Well-versed from all angles

Successful leaders are able to use versatile experiences and perspectives to see, learn, and lead at a high level. Brousseau checks that box with flying colors.

In nearly a quarter of a century at CCEC,

Brousseau spent 12 years in power control, five as Manager of Energy Management, and seven as Business Accounts Manager. While reflecting on and preparing for his new journey, he credits past experiences and those around him.

“What helps is that I may be new to this role but not new to Cass,” Brousseau said. “Those 24 years of history here have helped. I’ve always had great people around me that know their jobs. I’ve always relied on them and will continue to rely on them in this new role.”

Carrying a strong Midwest sense of humbleness, Brousseau describes himself as a servant leader, and his actions make it evident. In his first month at the helm, Brousseau scheduled oneon-one meetings with each member of the four departments that he will oversee.

“I want to better understand everyone’s roles, but more importantly, I want to build relationships with people,” he said. “There’s always uncertainty with change, especially in leadership positions. I want people to know I’m here to support them and hopefully make their lives easier.”

An optimistic future

Change and challenges are a part of all industries, and the energy sector is no exception. Yet, as Brousseau navigates fluid waters, he has the utmost confidence in those around him.

“In this new role, I’ll need to know the big picture for every department, but not necessarily the day-to-day nuts and bolts because I have deep trust in the people we have in place,” he said.

And while challenges arise, opportunities flourish. Brousseau credits CCEC’s partnership with power supplier Minnkota Power Cooperative as instrumental in navigating the future of the industry, as well as CCEC’s cutting-edge approach to technology utilization.

At the end of the day, CCEC’s members are the cooperative’s top priority, and Brousseau plans to continue this through stellar member service and community investment.

“One of the best things about CCEC is that we get to serve some incredible rural communities and also support the growth of a metro area that has a very communal feel,” he said. “We have the same family-like approach within the walls of CCEC, and if we take care of and invest in our people, we’ll be best able to serve our members.”

GETTING LOST IN THE

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SETH VARNER EMBARKS ON JOURNEY TO VISIT ALL OF NORTH DAKOTA’S 355 INCORPORATED TOWNS

Photos courtesy of Wandermore Publishing.

There’s something special about a crisp Rand McNally map.

Surely modern-day technology provides more efficient routes and fewer wrong turns, yet lacks something that transcends time.

Nostalgia. The curiosity of what lies within and between the dots, no matter how big or small. The adrenaline rush of exploration and “getting lost” to discover more within.

For 24-year-old Wahoo, Nebraska, native Seth Varner, that zest for adventure has taken him to over 2,500 communities in five states across the Midwest, showcasing each community through Wandermore Publishing.

Best known to North Dakotans as Wandermore in North Dakota on Facebook, Varner began his quest

of visiting and documenting each of the state’s 355 incorporated towns and communities in April and plans to cross the finish line later this summer. He’ll then publish a comprehensive history and travel guide of the Peace Garden State that will hit the shelves around Thanksgiving.

North Dakota isn’t Varner’s first rodeo. He’s completed similar endeavors in South Dakota, Kansas, and his home state of Nebraska. Yet from Abercrombie to Zeeland and the buttes of the Missouri Plateau to the plains of the Red River Valley, Varner has found beauty in the people and places of North Dakota.

“I was telling friends and family, ‘This is the most fun I’ve had of my five Wandermore trips.’” he said. “Something about North Dakota has just struck a chord.”

History and planning

What started as an idea with a friend after being sent home from college during the COVID-19 pandemic has turned into a project that has captivated thousands over the past five years.

“Before I had even visited my first location (in North Dakota), there were already 5,500 people following the page, and I had only shared a few things,” Varner said. “It’s been so cool to see communities rally around the project.”

North Dakota Nice has found its way into Varner’s life. He plans to complete the tour in three legs and has already received a wealth of hospitality.

“The Midwest Nice mentality is such a thing; we’re all willing to help each other out,” he said. “I’ve had

hundreds of people reach out to offer lodging, meals, tours of local history, and so much more. Anything you can think of, people in this state have been willing to help.”

Each trip for Varner is planned to the T, blending a combination of local input, diligent research, and his trusty Rand McNally map.

“I’ll pick a section of the state (on my map) and say, ‘OK I have 8 or 9 days to a few weeks to explore - what can I visit?’” Varner said. “Then I’ll put up a post for that section asking for recommendations. Crowdsourcing from locals is so valuable because no one knows a town better than those who have lived there for decades.”

Varner also relies on trusted resources such as the Roadside America travel app and chamber of commerce websites to identify notable destinations and worthwhile stops. An avid historian, he does his homework on each community’s history before visiting.

“I have access to my alma mater’s digital library, which has millions of books and articles on the history of many of these communities,” Varner said. “Digital Horizons (a database documenting history on the northern plains), North Dakota centennial books, and old railroad books have been critical. I use between 10-20 sources for each community that I visit.”

Once he hits the road, Varner does his best to stick to the schedule, often knocking out 2-3 communities per day. Museums, landmarks, local staples, and nature often make the cut for each community that he visits. In between, he does his best to give back to local businesses and restaurants.

“It helps me further promote the state when I try out local restaurants and businesses,” Varner said.

His favorite foods thus far? Wishek Sausage from Stan’s Supermarket in

Wishek and Grandma’s Kuchen out of Ashley.

“I brought rhubarb and apple kuchen home after the first leg of my trip, and everyone loved it,” Varner said. “I’ve already had order requests for when I return.”

At times, the constant travel, learning, and interactions can feel like a blur. Amidst the flurry, Varner makes sure to allocate time to reflect and take it all in.

“(A few weeks ago) I was in Fort Ransom and ended up spending time at the state’s only waterfall. I sat there for two hours and just watched it trickle,” Varner says. “I always make sure to stop and cherish things. Even if I can’t fully enjoy it now, I can always come back. There’s no excuse not to come back.”

Wandermore in CCEC Country Warners ventures have dived deep into Cass County Electric Cooperative’s (CCEC) service territory on the first two legs of the trip and has proven insightful. Some of that insight has included learning that Litchville was once the largest shipping point on the Northern Pacific Railroad branch, that the Lisbon Opera House sits in the oldest running movie theatre in the United States, and that noted author and Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck documented time in Alice (pop. 41) in his 1962 travelogue

History and landmarks run deep, yet as Varner reflects, the interactions with North Dakota residents are what will stick for a lifetime.

“The number of mayors, business leaders, and community members who have reached out to make this a special experience is unbelievable,” Varner said. “To just take time out of your day to interact with this random person from Nebraska shows how much pride people have in their communities, but more importantly, the type of people that call this state home.”

Get to know

District 3 board member Vanessa Kummer

The Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) membership elected Vanessa Kummer of Colfax, N.D., to the District 3 director seat at the 2024 annual meeting.

Education and training:

I pursued my formal education in Business Management at NDSCS. Nevertheless, the majority of my knowledge and skills have been acquired through practical experience, emphasizing a handson approach to learning.

Profession:

I have dedicated 46 years of my life to farming and the ag industry. Although my son has taken on more responsibilities in managing the farm, I continue to lend a hand during the busy planting and harvest seasons. Time spent on the United Soybean Board helped prepare me for my new role on the CCEC board of directors.

Dream job:

Traveling professionally is my ideal occupation. Exploring unfamiliar destinations, interacting with locals, and immersing myself in diverse cultures worldwide.

Motivation:

What inspires me the most is the drive to continue learning and improving. We need to trust our abilities to learn and succeed by trying new things.

Impactful advice:

The most valuable guidance I have been given is that if you do not experience failure, you are not pushing yourself enough. Venture beyond your comfort zone and embrace new responsibilities and

challenges.

Strength of CCEC:

The cooperative business model is what I believe to be the most significant strength of CCEC. Providing essential services to the member-owners is a key factor in the success of CCEC.

What aspect of being a director at CCEC are you looking forward to the most?

Engaging with the community and gaining knowledge about the businesses that impact my daily life. Serving our members and ensuring the cooperative’s fiduciary responsibilities are met to secure the sustainability of the cooperative framework.

Family:

I have worked side-by-side with my husband, Paul, for 46 years. Presently, our son Blaine (Megan) and their son, Owen, reside on and manage the family farm.

Meanwhile, our daughter Rachael (Dave) and son Maxwell have settled in Colorado, where Rachael oversees the gifted and talented program for students K-12 in her school district.

Hobbies:

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, golfing, skiing, reading, traveling, and hiking.

Rollout of EPA rules threatens electric reliability, affordability

Final power plant rules create concerns for Cass County Electric Cooperative

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a series of final power plant rules on April 25 that threaten to impact the reliability and affordability of electricity for CCEC members and many others across the United States.

Minnkota Power Cooperative, Cass County Electric Cooperative’s wholesale power provider, has major concerns with the unworkable timelines and requirements included in rules targeting greenhouse gas emissions, mercury emissions and coal combustion residuals. These rules have the potential to push the nation’s fleet of reliable power plants toward retirement at a time when the electric grid is already facing reliability challenges.

“While we are in the process of evaluating these final EPA power plant rules, it is clear they will have significant impacts on electric grid reliability and affordability,” said Mac McLennan, Minnkota president and CEO. “These rules set our nation on a dangerous path forward that will likely result in more blackouts, rising costs and greater uncertainty at a time when dependable electricity is needed more than ever.”

Minnkota has a longstanding commitment to environmental

stewardship. From 2007 to 2011, approximately $425 million was invested in emissions control technology at the coal-based Milton R. Young Station, which serves as the backbone of the cooperative’s power supply portfolio. Additionally, more than 40% of Minnkota’s power generation capacity is already derived from carbon-free resources, including wind and hydropower.

In its greenhouse gas rule, EPA has mandated power plant operators choose between installing carbon dioxide (CO2) capture technology or selecting a path toward facility closure. For the past nine years, Minnkota has been proactively developing Project Tundra – an initiative to build one of the world’s largest CO2 capture facilities at the Young Station. Up to 4 million metric tons of CO2 would be captured annually before being safely and permanently stored approximately one mile underground – the equivalent of taking 800,000 gasoline-fueled vehicles off the road.

“Despite the progress made on Project Tundra and our optimism about its future, these rules create a significant amount of uncertainty that will need to be navigated and better understood prior to a final decision,” McLennan said. “Minnkota

will need to closely examine whether the final rule is achievable, even with Project Tundra.”

The EPA rules are being developed at a critical time. America’s leading grid operators and regulators have been sounding the alarm recently on their growing concerns around the reliability of electricity supply. In its Minnesota and North Dakota service area, Minnkota faces challenges in how it provides resilient electricity in extreme cold conditions. Both wind and solar have historically faced major operational challenges in harsh winter conditions. During these times, the cooperative’s coalbased resources have been essential in maintaining grid stability at a time when member-consumers would face life-threatening conditions without electricity.

“We should not have to choose between grid reliability and decarbonization,” McLennan said. “We can address these priorities at the same time, but we need to approach them with caution and common sense. We will need both technology and time well beyond what EPA is mandating. Unfortunately, these rules will likely serve to stifle innovation and take environmental solutions off the table.”

Off-peak program: Water heating

Home-cooked meals, warm showers, and freshly washed clothes can’t happen without water heaters. Undoubtedly, water heaters are one of the largest energy users in our homes. Cass County Electric wants to help you save on your bill through our off-peak water heating program.

INCENTIVES FOR WATER HEATERS INSTALLED ON OFF-PEAK

NEW INSTALLATION CREDIT

GAS-TO-ELECTRIC CONVERSION

NEW CONSTRUCTION

$450 Replacement of an existing water heater

$250 In addition to $450 new installation credit

$100 In addition to $450 new installation credit

~ 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 offpeak electric rate. All incentives are subject to final approval from Cass County Electric Cooperative.

LONG-TERM CONTROL RATES

Size

100 Gallons or more

Scheduled Control

Cycled off from 7 AM to 12 PM and from 5 PM to 11 PM daily (Nov.-Apr.)

Possible summer control

Metering

On off-peak meter, first 400 kWh as low as 5.2 cents

All rates subject to purchase power adjustment

BENEFITS OF INSTALLING A LARGE WATER HEATER (>100 GALLONS)

In the event of a power outage, large tank water heaters provide a supply of hot water.

Large tank water heaters are able to fill large appliances like Whirlpools while still servicing other needs.

Large tank water heaters are an ideal investment for large families with versatile water needs.

While more expensive, large tank water heaters are a great longterm investment for future savings.

Interested in saving money and managing energy use on your own terms? CCEC now has a time-of-day rate. Visit CassCountyElectric.com/energy-management to learn more.

All rates subject to purchase power adjustment

Know the APWA Color Code

WHITE: Proposed excavation

PINK: Temporary survey markings

RED: Electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables

YELLOW: Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or gaseous materials

ORANGE: Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit

BLUE: Potable water

PURPLE: Reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines

GREEN: Sewer and drain lines

Scan here for more safety tips!

safety

Let the digging begin!

Power outages caused by damage to underground cables increase in the spring and summer. Call 8-1-1 before you dig. It’s easy, and it’s the law.

Forty-nine percent of Cass County Electric Cooperative’s (CCEC) 5,685 miles of power lines is buried underground. Though these lines are safe from high winds and accidental vehicle damage, they are susceptible to another threat every spring. Once the ground thaws, landscaping and construction projects take off and so do accidental dig-ins to underground power lines. Outdoor projects can cause big problems if you do not plan ahead.

Digging into power lines can cause outages for the whole neighborhood; it also can be

extremely dangerous and lifethreatening. It’s not just buried power lines that you have to worry about, either. Water, sewer, gas, and telecommunications equipment are often right underfoot. Luckily, there’s an easy process to keep you safe.

Two days before you work, visit ndonecall.com or call 8-1-1. You’ll provide details about the work you’re doing and ND One Call will alert the appropriate utility companies. Once a request is made, the companies have 48 hours to mark the locations of buried equipment. The paint or

flags they leave behind will be your guide to safety.

Safety is the number one priority at CCEC. Before you pick up the shovel, visit ndonecall.com or dial 8-1-1.

On a related note, we remind you to keep a clear space around transformers – 10 feet in front and 3 feet on each side – so workers can access them. Tall, decorative grasses that can bend and restore themselves are okay, but anything else planted within the listed space may be damaged or removed.

Co-op contractors

The work doesn’t end for an electric utility once the power lines are in the air or underground. With a 10-county service area, nearly 6,000 miles of line, and more than 58,000 accounts, installing, maintaining, and keeping the power running takes a massive effort. CCEC augments its workforce with contractors to help with some of the heavy lifting to make it happen.

The companies below provide crucial services that aid our maintenance efforts. If you see them out in the field, there’s a chance they’re helping us keep the power on for you. If you have a question about our contractors or the work they perform, call our office at 701-356-4400.

UNDERGROUND WORK: Removes, repairs, and installs underground electric distribution lines

• Arvig • Dakota Hills Electric

Jerry’s Excavating • Moritz Excavating

MPM Construction

LOCATING: Assists with 811 locates

• ACE Utility Services

MVM Contracting

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT: Keeps tree limbs clear of power lines to prevent fires and power outages

• Carr’s Tree Service

YARD RESTORATION: Restores impacted member property • Red River Services

Jack Martin Engineering

YARD LIGHTS: Conducts light maintenance and replacements • Dakota Hills Electric

Construction

POLE TESTING: Marks aged, damaged, or unsuitable poles for replacement

• Utility Inspection Services

GENERAL MAINTENANCE: Painting, leveling transformers, and minor restorations

• Jack Martin Engineering

Check out our Pinterest page for more recipes!

recipes

Simple summer recipes take the pressure off, allowing for more time to spend with friends and family.

Honey mustard pork chops

Ingredients:

1/3 cup mayonnaise

2 Tablespoons honey

2 Tablespoons dijon mustard

1 Tablespoon butter

4 boneless pork chops garlic powder, to taste red pepper flakes, to taste salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Mix mayo, honey and mustard together in a small bowl until thoroughly combined. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and season with garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 2 minutes. Turn chops over, sprinkle with remaining garlic powder, and cook for 2 more minutes.

Brush honey-mustard sauce over chops, turn them over, and cook for 4 minutes; turn chops onto the other side and brush with honeymustard sauce. Cook until chops are 145 °F, about 4 more minutes. Works on the grill as well!

Herb pasta salad

Ingredients:

4 cups penne pasta, dry

1 1/4 cups feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 Tablespoons Crystal Louisiana-style hot sauce

1 Tablespoon grated lemon zest plus 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon grated garlic

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

4 cups mixed fresh herbs (basil, dill, and chives), torn

1 1/2 cups celery, thinly sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

3/4 cup roasted sunflower seed kernels

Preparation: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse pasta under cold running water. While pasta cooks, stir together feta, buttermilk, mayonnaise, hot sauce, lemon zest and juice, salt, garlic, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Transfer pasta to a large serving bowl. Add buttermilk dressing, torn herbs, celery, tomatoes, red onion, and sunflower seeds, and toss well.

Cass County Electric;

Paving the future through sharing the past impact

It’s no secret that history paints the past while also laying a canvas for the future. And as time advances forward like a locomotive, the preservation and interpretation of local history have never been more important.

Thanks to Bonanzaville, the history of life on the prairie has never been more accessible and alive. What started as a Cass County Historical Society project in 1967 has turned into a 12-acre space featuring 41 historic buildings and over 400,000 artifacts.

And while decades and centuries of history come alive through buildings and exhibits that transcended time, the millions of memories created by taking a step into the past are priceless.

Something for everyone

Bonanzaville is far more than the region’s fan-favorite elementary school field trip destination; yearly events such as First Responders Day, Pioneer Days, and ‘Trunk or Treat’ bring visitors of all backgrounds, ages, and interests to the museum.

“We have representation from 18 different towns and townships and four different counties in this part of the state,” Bonanzaville Executive

Director, Beth Jansen said. “There’s truly something for everyone.”

Garnering its namesake from the large bonanza farms that once covered the area, Bonanzaville captivates guests through lived experiences. Stepping into a time machine, visitors are treated to life during the homestead era while stepping into a 1930s passenger car, sitting at a desk in a one-room schoolhouse, and witnessing planes, tractors, and architecture that eclipse time.

Proud partners

Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) is proud to provide reliable electricity to Bonanzaville. Yet the relationship goes far beyond utility bills.

“We have a wonderful partnership (with CCEC) in a million ways,” Jansen said. “Yes, there is a financial component, but it’s so much more than that. Giving back to the community and building relationships is in CCEC’s makeup.”

CCEC has supported Bonanzaville events such as Christmas on the Prairie, while also providing assistance for Bonanzaville’s 2024 school tours, which will allow 4,700 local students to experience

Bonanzaville’s magic. CCEC team members have also donated time to help further the museum and its events.

Keeping the lights on and doors open in an efficient manner for a facility of the magnitude of Bonanzaville is paramount; in 2022, CCEC Manager of Energy Services Bob Miller began working with Jansen to apply for and successfully obtain a grant from the North Dakota State Energy Program.

“Bonanzaville holds such an important space in our community for this generation and those to follow,” Miller said. “We’re grateful to have such an excellent relationship with Beth (Jansen) and her team and look forward to serving them for years to come.”

It’s an exciting time at Bonanzaville; with a newly remodeled event space and new foundations on a number of buildings, the future looks bright. For Jansen, the sky is the limit.

“Our goal is to keep making Bonanzaville a better representation of our community and our local history,” she said. “The opportunities are endless with this space. It can be used in so many ways and give so much back to the community.”

For sale

2019 Ford Expedition, 111,000 mi., red, very good cond., BLI w/trailer tow monitor, connectivity package, & 2nd-row bench pwr/fld tip, $31,000. 701-261-9996.

2 twin x-long mattresses tempurpedic, very good cond., $250/ea. or both for $400. 701-2195743

John Deere 725F Lawnmower 54-inch cut, hydrostatic frontmounted deck, well maintained, will deliver, $3,600/OBO. 701-6807532

2016 black enclosed cargo trailer, 20’ nose, 8’ 5” W x 7’ , 5,200 lb. double axel. Includes interior cabinets, 10,500/OBO. 218-790-2773

Red wheelchair, never used, 19” lightweight handle, 12” rear wheel, $300/OBO. 701-282-3280

2012 Triumph Bonneville America 865cc cruiser, aftermarket exhaust, side bags, & windshield, great cruiser, sounds good, smooth & comfortable, $4,000. 701-388-2958

Purebred Corgi puppies, 3 females, 2 males, all tri-color w/ natural tails, declawed, 2 Distemper-Adenovirus vaccines, microchipped, 4 doses wormer, 6-week vet cert, $200 nonrefundable deposit, $500 total. Text for pics. 701-490-0690

StrikeMaster “Lazer Mag” ice auger, 10”, exc. cond., $100. 701-850-9744

2016 Honda Goldwing, 15,000 mi., one owner, many added options, new tires, grey over matte black,

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$12,000. 701-799-4142

Luverne classic chrome grill guard fits Chevy and GMC, 2007 – 2010 2500HD & 3500 HD pickups, like new $475. Henniker plow blade adapter, fits 1994 Chevy 2500 $100. 701-552-1180

26” pink girls 10-speed bicycle, has flat tire, $50. 701-630-4768

2018 Jayco 28BHBE travel trailer, great cond., $20,000/OBO. 612-4192400

4, 50-gal Rubbermaid Brute containers w/ lids, $35/ea. 605-2017350

Tracks to fit a 2016 Polaris Ranger UTV, will fit other years too, $3,000. 701-741-6234

2003 Harley Davidson FatBoy (100th anniversary) 13,000 miles, fuel injected, detachable windshield, screaming eagle pipes, lockable saddlebags, chrome swingarm, $7,000. 701-361-2551

Earthquake rear tires rototiller, $300. Homelite 5000 W generator, $300. Lady 10-speed bike, $35. Men’s 10-speed mountain bike, $35. 701-367-7584

Vintage 1950’s red velvet couch w/ original woodwork & claw feet, great condition, $300. 701-540-3927

Donahue trailer 10’x28’, frame & tires are good, spare tire, straight axles, needs a few boards, $500. 701-840-5117

Reliable Graco 1500 airless paint

sprayer, 100’ line, new packings, & brand new silver gun & tip assembly, $750. 701-540-7929

2 newly constructed 8’x12’ storage sheds, shingled Gable roof, pine paneling siding, 16” center on studs, rafters, floor joists, 3/4” plywood flour, double doors opening, 56”Wx71”H, no delivery, $3,000/ea. 701-840-5438

6-year white baby crib. Coleman camping stove. Dorman wheel nuts N14-1.50 Qty 20. Tool shop 5-speed press drill 1/2”. 4 Bridgestone tires 245/60 R18. 701-566-7165

Full/queen dark maple headboard w/ 2 matching side cabinets & large dresser w/ mirror, $250. Large number of Terry Redlin, John Deere, Coca-Cola, & Campbell Soup collectibles. Vintage 1946 SearsKenmore combination treadle & electric sewing machine. 701-5416325

Tohatsu 5 HP boat motor, used twice, $1000. 12’ Pelican intruder John boat, like new, $800. Woodchipper, 10 HP, like new, $1,500. 701-238-9549

Wanted Wood lathe. 218-790-0858

Restorable JD Pedal Tractor, 7204020 series. 701-371-8111

Railroad ties suitable for use as fenceposts, prefer to pick up in West Fargo or Valley City area. 701866-3737

Information about stamp collecting. 701-388-3122