May 2024 Highline Notes

HIGHLINE notes

May 2024

‘Carrying my tools,’ pg. 4

Pipeline dream to community placemaker, pg. 6

Spring cleaning & maintenance checklist, pg. 8

editorial

What is the role of your electric cooperative?

Paul Matthys, president/CEO Cass County Electric Cooperative

When I started working for the electric cooperative around 23 years ago, it didn’t take me long to learn member service was a high priority. I grew up on a farm and worked in the service industry as an electrician before working for Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC), so I understood the concept of bringing high-level service to customers or, in CCEC’s case, our members.

Knowing the expectation was to provide top-shelf member service, I then learned what services we needed to provide based on the demands and expectations of our members. In my early years at CCEC, being local and having an employee available for members to visit with when they called or stopped in was very important. Keeping the power on and sending linemen out into the elements to restore power was also very high on the list. Along with keeping the lights on, we focused on helping members to use energy wisely. We spent many hours working with builders, contractors, and homeowners on how to build a more efficient home or business. We educated them on energyefficient appliances, lighting, and heating/cooling systems.

Getting out of the office, visiting members’ homes, and visiting with them about home improvements that would reduce their energy costs was a lot of fun. Meeting

good people, seeing what they were interested in, and sometimes not being able to say no to a cup of coffee or a cookie were all parts of the job I enjoyed. So, I figured it out: Member service was helping members understand energy and how to conserve, educating on energy efficiency, listening, and being there when they needed us.

As I write this article, I realize that times have changed and continue to change faster than ever during my time at the cooperative. Member service and keeping the lights on are still extremely important, but our role as cooperative employees has changed. The reason for this is simple: The needs and expectations of our members have changed.

Big data, smart meters, online services, smart devices, social media, and savvy consumers are a few components that drive change. The days of a business being open or available from 8-5 are a thing of the past. You can manage your electric account 24 hours daily via SmartHub (an online paltform and the Cass County Electric mobile app). You can view your cooperative’s programs and services online and comment or interact via social media whenever you want, no matter the time of day or year.

So, what is the role of your electric cooperative? Providing members

with flexibility and more control over their electricity costs. Last year, your board of directors approved a time-of-day (TOD) rate, which was implemented. The TOD rate works well for members who have electric vehicless or want to save on energy costs by not using energy during times of higher demand. We ensure that our online services and programs include the most recent and accurate information, including energy efficiency and conservation advice. We promote using paperless billing, pre-pay, and an online app, SmartHub, to manage your electric account. We monitor current and proposed future industry regulations to ensure the choices being made by our political leaders have the best interests of our members in mind. We strive and do our very best to keep the power on 100% of the time through system upgrades, technology, system maintenance, and improvements. We communicate with our members through Highline Notes, newsletters, social media, digitally, and our website. Getting out and meeting with members and working to meet their needs in person is something we still hang our hats on.

CCEC has been in the conservation business for 86 years and will continue to do so for many years. We will continue to listen to our members and do our best to meet your expectations and needs; after all, it is your electric cooperative.

this month’s content lineup

8 save

14 impact 13 recipes 15 ads

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

FEBRUARY 2024

Both February and March board meeting highlights are included in this issue due to the April issue being the annual report.

The Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) board of directors met in person on Feb. 27, 2024, and discussed the following topics:

• Moved to approve the February 2024 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes, monthly department reports, director expense report, and the January purchased power adjustment (PPA).

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

• Received the January 2024 financial report.

• Received reports from the directors who attended the NDAREC annual meeting.

• Received the system reliability report from 2023.

• Moved to accept the 2023 financial audit as prepared and presented by Eide Bailly, LLP.

• Reviewed the 2024 annual meeting plans.

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

• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

• Voted Director Kalvin Hoff as Minnkota Power Cooperative director nominee for 2024.

• Voted Director Terry Kraft as Square Butte Electric Cooperative director nominee for 2024.

The February board meeting was Tues., April 30, 2024.

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

MARCH 2024

The Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) board of directors met in person on March 25, 2024, and discussed the following topics:

•Moved to approve the March 2024 consent agenda of the regular board meeting, which includes minutes, monthly department reports, the 2023 year-end plant damage report, the director expense report, and the February purchased power adjustment (PPA).

•The board of directors thanked Marshal Albright for his years of dedication and service as he enters retirement. Paul Matthys is the new President/CEO, effective April 1, 2024.

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

•Received the February 2024 financial report.

•Received a report from the Minnkota Power board meeting.

•Received a report on the construction work plan.

•Received a report on the upcoming 86th annual meeting.

•Received a report from the NRECA PowerXchange Conference.

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

•Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday., May 28, 2024.

Communications: Jocelyn Lura Hovland

Kaitlyn Hartman

David Youngs

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: 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.

Becoming a cooperative CEO was never Paul Matthys’ plan. When he lost his father shortly after graduating college, Matthys took over the family business of selling and servicing demand controllers. He decided to get his electrical license, get some experience with a local contractor, and then continue on to become a master electrician with his own contracting business.

His college professors advised him to become well-rounded and experience many parts of the industry before building a business. So, when Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) hired Paul Matthys as a journeyman electrician in 2000, he thought it would be a short stint.

“My ultimate goal was to go back and work for myself. My dad had done that his whole life between farming and electrical work, and that was my goal,” Matthys remembered. “I was going to work for Cass County Electric for four to five years, get some experience and go back out on my own. And I just never left. Opportunity kept presenting itself – it was a great company and a great place to be.”

Twenty-four years later, Matthys is now CCEC’s newest CEO, appointed by the board to succeed 37-year co-op veteran Marshal Albright in April 2024. Matthys most recently served as the co-

op’s vice president of member and energy services, a role he held for eight years. Before that, he had worked his way up from electrician to energy management specialist, to manager of energy services, and then key accounts executive.

“Being on both sides of the fence, I call it. I kind of came up through the trenches carrying my tools, working in the field, working with our members. I feel like I have a really good understanding of our employees who do that now. I know what they’re going through, I know what their challenges are –I’ve been there,” he said.

During his time with CCEC, Matthys has strived to keep the cooperative “on the leading edge, not bleeding edge” of technology and innovation. Early on, he worked with Minnkota Power Cooperative to develop controls and wiring diagrams for a new grain site bypass to make farm site service more efficient. Under his leadership, CCEC became one of the first in North Dakota to install an electric vehicle fast changing station and build a community solar array. Recently, he helped pilot a Time-of-Day rate for members, which will allow more choice in how they use energy.

Matthys will continue to keep the industry’s future at the forefront of his planning. He insists cooperation among cooperatives will be crucial in facing the current rapid energy transition, and that co-ops must emphasize a focus on reliability when educating those who create energy policy. “There’s always been some challenge. And because we have such a strong

network, we are always ready, and we are always facing those challenges head on,” he said. “I’m confident that we will make it through this one just as we have every other challenge.”

Cass County Electric remains one of the fastest growing cooperatives in the nation, adding an average of 1,600 member accounts every year since Matthys was hired. That growth has allowed CCEC to not only keep rates stable, but also return capital credits to members. In 2023, the co-op was reporting a phenomenal 99.9% reliability rate until a Christmas ice storm brought down miles of line – a devastating situation that brought all departments together to restore power safely and quickly.

Matthys has much to tout as he steps into the CEO role, but as a level-headed, commonsense leader, he knows who should be receiving accolades.

“We have the best employees. They are well trained, they are hardworking, bright, talented, dedicated and engaged,” he said. “We can’t provide top-shelf member service without taking care of our employees first. That is really going to be my main goal and focus, is to really develop some more training paths and career development. If we take care of our employees, we’ll reach our ultimate goal of taking care of our members.”

It’s evident that Matthys cares deeply about the people around him. When he’s not at work, he can be found helping others in the service territory by serving on several community development

committees and boards or coaching Kindred, N.D., students in wrestling, trap shooting, and baseball. His wife Angie and three children (Olivia, Josie and Cody) are all excited for this next step in his career – even though it looks much different than what he had planned 24 years ago.

“I always taught those kids the same thing I was taught: Whatever you are, be a good one, and be the hardest working person in the room, and life will work out for you. I think they look back and realize that I’m practicing what I’m preaching. They see that success, and I think that is resonating,” Matthys said. “I’m hoping I can pass that along to them.”

PIPELINE DREAM TO COMMUNITY PLACEMAKER

New Fargo Parks Sports Center prepares to take the Red River Valley to the next level

Scents of fresh paint crossed with a myriad of construction noises fill the air as Kali Mork walks backward, pointing out details and features to a group clothed in neon vests that rival the sun on a North Dakota summer day.

The attention to detail is spectacular; for a facility spanning 392,000 square feet, the Fargo Parks Sports Center checks all the boxes for youth and adult athletes, community members, and even referees.

And while the smell of fresh paint lingers, the big picture is evident. Come June 3, Fargo will tout a stateof-the-art community-oriented facility that is unprecedented in the region.

Community input, results driven

Two banks of hardwood courts, a walking track overlooking the largest

turf field in the state, two ice rinks, and a full-service catering kitchen are just the tip of the iceberg of what the Sports Center will offer to the community.

“This is a place meant for everyone,” Mork, who serves as Director of the Sports Center, says. “We know the traditional sports that we’ll be able to host, but this building is so versatile that there are things we’ll be able to do that we don’t even know yet.”

Designed on input from community organizations and elevated by instrumental direction from the Fargo Park Board, versatility shines in the details. With permanent seating limited to the championship hardwood court and overlooking the ice rinks, the facility’s core spaces will cater to athletes of all stripes...often at the same time.

“If you visit our turf in December or January, it’s going to be packed,” Mork says. “We can run soccer on one quadrant, lacrosse on another, CrossFit on one, and baseball taking infield on the fourth.”

Venture past the doors of the hardwood courts and you’ll find community rooms that can house teams come tourney time, a concessions venue that far exceeds a hotdog and chips, and even an officials lounge to provide a peaceful haven if things get a bit chippy out on the court.

“We’re very aware of the official shortage (in youth sports) and hope that space will draw officials to tournaments hosted here,” Mork says.

Doing the homework, keeping the lights on Similar to the world of electric

cooperatives, there is a fraternity amongst park districts that proved integral in high-level planning for the Sports Center.

“Once we were in a position where we knew we could do this, there was a lot of research done,” Fargo Parks Deputy Director of Operations Dave Bietz says. “As park professionals, we began our homework.”

That homework included trips to similar facilities across the nation where Fargo Park District leadership learned the dos and don’ts from those who had gone through the process.

“To me, that was where the learning really began because we were able to tap into What works? What would you do differently? from source experts,” Bietz says.

The due diligence can be seen from a broad perspective down to the two-, four-, and six-foot wood planks that were individually laid for the facility’s hardwood courts. The walking track features large windows at each corner to flush in sunlight. Custom-sized chairs line the sledhockey-compatible ice rinks to create a positive viewing experience for all ages. Parents will be able to keep young children occupied while also watching older siblings compete thanks to a strategically located interactive game wall.

And while all the bells and whistles are bountiful, nothing can come to fruition without electricity.

The Sports Center adds to a long list of Fargo Park District facilities that

Cass County Electric Cooperative proudly serves. That meant early communication once the monumental project was approved.

“Cass County Electric and Fargo Park District had a longstanding relationship, long before I began,” CCEC Vice President of Member and Energy Services Chad Brousseau says. “This facility will be a catalyst for drawing people to the area, so we were in immediate contact with (Dave) Bietz and his team on how to best serve them during the construction process.”

Those conversations involved identifying high-energy use times and devices, leveraging technology, and crafting strategies to reduce energy costs, something that isn’t new for Brousseau and Bietz.

“Chad reached out to me 6-7 years ago to set up standing meetings on the Park District’s energy use,” Bietz says. “That’s when I realized there was an opportunity to be smarter with our energy. It was eye-opening to me that CCEC was willing to work with us as a high-energy consumer on how we can reduce costs.”

Untapped development

With a metro population of 258,000, the Fargo Parks Sports Center will cover a need that comes with a blossoming community. Yet serving local needs is just a piece of the pie.

With the space and amenities to host hundreds of local, regional, and national tournaments, Faus anticipates the Sports Center will attract thousands of visitors to the Red River Valley.

“Everything is under one roof. The size of the facility and how many people it can accommodate, you just don’t find that anywhere else around here. You’ll find hockey arenas and gyms, but not under one roof,” Faus says.

The space around the facility is primarily untapped, cultivating a hotbed for future businesses to complement the Sports Center’s community benefit objective of being an economic driver.

“We’re actually just getting started with a master plan that includes this area and will compare us to other communities so we can say okay, let’s dream,” Faus says.

Bietz notes that Fargo Public Schools has purchased land just west of the facility and that the Park District works hand in hand with them and the City of Fargo to strategically plan for growth around the Sports Center.

“Those are two of many great partners we have so we have a front-row seat at the growth of this area while making sure we share the same vision,” Bietz says.

A project that has spanned nearly a decade and is on the cusp of life, Faus couldn’t be prouder of her team and the community that has helped turn an idea into action.

“It’s just exciting being here. Being able to walk through and see the spaces come to life and realize how many people are going to be impacted by this facility, it’s incredible.”

Spring Cleaning & Maintenance Checklist

FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

KITCHEN

____ Clean refrigerator coils. Roll your refrigerator away from the wall and use a vacuum hose to clear the dirt and dust from the coils.

____ Check the rubber gasket along the edge of the opening of your fridge to ensure that the door seals tightly when shut.

____ Cook outside. On warmer spring days, keep the heat out of your home by using an outdoor grill instead of an indoor oven.

____ If you’re growing glaciers in your deep freeze, you’ll use more energy to keep the internal temperature low, so defrost that guy.

LIVING SPACES

____ With more light coming in windows later in the day, consider the best utilization of your space lighting.

____ Turn off the TV, computer, and lights before heading outside to enjoy the spring weather and extra daylight.

____ Set your ceiling fan direction to rotate counterclockwise for the summer. Setting your ceiling fan counterclockwise pushes air down and creates a breeze that helps keep you cool.

____ Open windows in the late spring when temperatures are mild. If it’s warmer during the day, open the windows in the evening and close them during the day.

LAUNDRY

____ Clean the exterior exhaust vent for your clothes dryer.

____ Cleaning your lint trap regularly helps improve the efficiency of your dryer. Remember to empty it after every drying cycle to cut down on drying time and save energy.

____ If you wash on hot, you’re dumping water and money down the drain. Reserve warm and hot settings for heavily soiled loads.

BATHROOM

When replacing an older, inefficient showerhead, look for the WaterSense label on showerheads, faucets, faucet accessories, and toilets to help you identify models that save water and perform well.

THROUGHOUT HOME

____ While cleaning, note any AC adaptors and battery chargers plugged in but not in use and unplug them.

____ Dust off electronics, light bulbs, and vents for efficient use of energy.

____ Change incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs.

____ Change batteries in smoke detectors (this should be done twice a year) and make sure units are free of dust.

____ Check the more common filters in a home, such as in-sink water dispensers, vacuum cleaners, whole-house air filters, and room and central air conditioners. Some filters need to be replaced outright, but some are washable/reusable.

OUTSIDE

____ Consider putting up (and using) a clothesline.

____ Clean lawn debris from around your outside HVAC equipment.

____ Sealing cracks and openings in your home with low-cost caulk keeps unconditioned air out and cash in your wallet.

____ Trimming trees and bushes away from your house will help to discourage the growth of mold and mildew, as well as prolong the life of your siding and roof.

____ Seal gaps and cracks around your windows and doors with caulk or weatherstrips to help keep your home comfortable year-round and reduce your energy use.

____ According to the USDA, a tree-row windbreak, when planted properly, can reduce heat loss in your home by 10%, even as much as 25%.

____ Well-placed shade trees can reduce the radiant heat of the sun on your home’s exterior and even shade the interior, reducing energy costs.

MECHANICAL

____ Use the change of season as a reminder to replace your furnace filter regularly.

____ Clean your air conditioner or heat pump’s evaporator coil annually to ensure optimal system performance.

____ Turning down the water heater’s temperature to the warm setting (120°F) can help reduce your energy consumption.

____ If your furnace is old and inefficient or is on its last legs, it may be time to consider a new, more energy-efficient furnace.

____ Setting a programmable thermostat to a higher setting when you are not at home can help reduce your energy costs by approximately 10%.

Annual Meeting Recap: The POWER of our PEOPLE

While rain poured and wind roared outside, the warmth of community filled the Delta by Marriott Hotel in Fargo on the evening of April 16 as Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) hosted its 86th annual meeting.

The largest attendance since 2000, 587 CCEC members and guests were treated to a stellar threecourse meal of pasta salad, roast beef with seasonal vegetables, and various desserts before engaging in annual meeting agenda items. That agenda featured an initial address from CCEC Board Chair Glenn Mitzel, the introduction of new CCEC President/CEO Paul Matthys, a financial report from VP of Corporate Services and CFO Chad Sapa, and director elections for three of CCEC’s eight districts represented on CCEC’s board of directors.

Those three elections featured two uncontested races in Districts 2 and 7, where incumbents Doug Anderson and Wendy Loucks were reelected by a motion from

the audience to elect unopposed directors by voice rather than using written ballots.

District 3 featured a three-way race between Sid Berg (incumbent), Brian Gregor, and Vanessa Kummer. Following three-minute speeches from each candidate, members voted and elected Kummer as the newest member of the CCEC Board of Directors.

Hailing from Colfax ND, Kummer is a former president of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association and was the first woman selected to chair the United Soybean Board. CCEC is excited to welcome Kummer to the board.

CCEC would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Sid Berg for 21 years of service on the CCEC board of directors and wish him nothing but the best in future endeavors.

And while summer is on the horizon, last winter’s ice storm still lingers in the minds of many.

Mitzel and Matthys both took time to acknowledge the tremendous work done by CCEC employees and the outstanding support and cooperation from members during the storm. Two videos were also shown to showcase the severity of the storm from the perspective of CCEC’s team while highlighting the teamwork and strength of community between CCEC and its members.

The five-star meal and wealth of knowledge and camaraderie weren’t the only takeaways from the evening; twenty lucky members walked home with $100 gift cards to use at their leisure.

The future looks bright for CCEC and its members. We’re extremely thankful for the Delta by Marriott, Mobile Pro, and so many others who helped make this event a success. We’re especially thankful to our wonderful members who took time out of their day to attend this event, and the communities that we’re proud to call home.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a board member?

Cass County Electric Cooperative’s (CCEC) board of directors is elected to three-year terms. Directors must be cooperative members and residents of the district in which they are seeking directorship. Each director represents one of CCEC’s membership districts, with one at-large director representing all districts.

Once elected to the board, directors have two primary functions: set cooperative policy and provide financial oversight. As decision-makers, they are responsible for working with the cooperative’s CEO and key staff to set policies and develop strategies to keep the cooperative on track. To do that, they must maintain a working knowledge of all segments of

the electric cooperative, from the broad national overview to the day-to-day operations. The oversight function and fiduciary duties require monitoring the cooperative’s business performance, risk assessment, and compliance with legal obligations.

Other responsibilities and functions of the board are to:

• Represent cooperative members.

• Contract for and approve an independent financial audit.

• Hire and supervise the general manager or CEO.

Training in governance responsibilities, utility operations, and management oversight is necessary for a director to perform successfully. CCEC’s

board of directors recognizes the importance of education and strives to stay abreast of changes in the industry by completing continuing education courses. They also must obtain their Certified Cooperative Director certification during their service to the cooperative.

Directors represent the members who elect them and take the duties and responsibilities of their position seriously. They uphold the unique democratic business model that distinguishes CCEC from utility companies whose purpose is to make a profit for investors. At CCEC, the guiding principle is accountability. Your board of directors is there to uphold that mandate with knowledge and integrity.

Tom Seymour (I) District 5, West Fargo

Paul White (I) District 1, Stirum

Doug Anderson (I) District 2, Arthur

Vanessa Kummer District 3, Colfax

Stacey Ackerman District 4, Reiles Acres

Glenn Mitzel (I) District 6, West Fargo

Kalvin Hoff (I) District 8, Fargo

Wendy Loucks (I) District 7, Fargo

Terry Kraft (I) District At-large, West Fargo

Welcome to the team Staking Technician: Nick Brand

Hometown:

West Fargo, ND

Education:

Associates from NDSCS and a Certificate in Linework from BSC

Tell us about your career: I worked for Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative as a district engineer for just over 4 years.

Tell us about your family: My wife Jessica and I have 2 kiddos, Elise who is 10 and Jack who is 4. Both keep us on our toes!

If you won the lottery, what would be your first purchase?

1970 Plymouth Barracuda

Hobbies:

I enjoy pheasant and deer hunting, spending time with family at the lake, and doing just about anything outside.

What advice have you received that was the most impactful? You can’t be everything to everyone so just be who you were intended to be.

What’s your dream vacation? A cabin in the mountains with trails close by

What’s your favorite season? Fall

What’s your favorite food? Good BBQ ribs with all the sides

Welcome to the team

GIS Developer: Matthew Niblock

Hometown: Fergus Falls, MN

Tell us about your career: Through previous internships I found out a little bit more about GIS. Through this experience came an opportunity to take a GIS class at Concordia. This experience eventually led me to take a job as a GIS developer at Cass County Electric Co-op and I could not be more thrilled!

Tell us about your family: I’m the youngest of three children to my parents, Don & Liz. Both of my sisters (Megan & Alicia) live out of the state and keep busy with work, so we always try our best to enjoy family time when we can all find time to see each other.

Hobbies:

I like to play sports such as soccer or hockey, but not opposed to sitting down watching either. As a Minnesota sports fan, there is

usually always something to sit down and watch!

If you won the lottery, what would be your first purchase? I would purchase a lake property. I enjoy being outdoors, and being at the lake offers a lot of opportunity for that!

What advice have you received that was the most impactful?

I think the one thing that has stuck with me throughout my life would be the Golden Rule. I think that treating others how you would want to be treated can lead to only positive relationships.

What’s your dream vacation? New Zealand

What’s your favorite season? Spring

What’s your favorite food? Mashed potatoes and gravy

Check out our Pinterest page for more recipes!

Nothing speaks summer like a delicious dessert bar to complement dinner off the grill. These three-layer almond bars will hit the spot! Thanks to Eileen S. for sending in!

Three-layer almond bars

First Layer

Ingredients:

1 cup butter

½ cup powdered sugar

2 cups flour

Preparation:

Blend well and press into a greased and lightly floured 9x13 pan. Bake 20 minutes at 350˚F.

Second Layer

Ingredients:

8 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese (softened)

2 eggs

½ cup granulated sugar

1½ tsp. almond extract

Preparation:

Beat until well-blended. Spread on first layer while still warm. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Third Layer

Ingredients:

1½ cup powdered sugar

¼ cup soft butter

1 ½ tsp. milk (more if needed)

1 tsp. almond extract

Preparation:

Blend until smooth. Spread on top of cooled bars. Sprinkle with 1-2 cups of sliced almonds.

Lemon pepper chicken

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts, thawed

½ cup lemon juice (fresh or concentrate)

2 Tbsp black pepper

½ cup olive oil

salt (for brining)

Preparation:

Place chicken breasts in a cold bowl of water. Mix in 2-3 pinches of salt and let brine for 30 minutes. Once brine is complete, pat chicken dry with paper towel and thoroughly brush with olive oil. Pour lemon juice in a bowl that is large enough to fit individual chicken breasts.

In the meantime, preheat grill to mediumhigh heat.

Once chicken is brushed with oil, splash each breast in the bowl of lemon juice for 5-6 seconds. Sprinkle each breast with pepper (pepper can also be mixed with lemon juice bowl for a more tangy taste).

Once grill is hot, place chicken on direct heat and grill for 7-8 minutes. Flip and move to indirect heat. Times may vary depending on size of breasts. Internal temperature for serving should reach 165˚F.

Operation Round Up Cass County Electric Cooperative Foundation

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

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

Used golf balls, 2 pull carts, cart parts & accessories. Books of all kinds. Antique American soldiers & toys. Red Wing crocks, 20 gal., 5 gal., & jug. 701-893-6888

Nordic Track Pro Ski machine, exc cond, $325. 701-261-1836

2019 Indian Vintage Chief motorcycle, teal green & white, like new, less than 1,000 mi, $18,000. Lorenz dual auger snowblower, nice, $3,000. 701-367-4239

18’ Smoker Craft boat, trailer w/ electric winch, motor used less than 20 hrs, custom towing tarp, electric trolling motor, depth finder, 2-bank charger, manuals, & more. Always shedded. 701-306-5712

Princess House glassware, beverage server 86 oz., set of 4 beverage glasses 11 ½ oz., set of 4 coolers 23 oz., set of 4 beverage mugs 10 oz., centerpiece bowl 5 ½ in. tall, lasagna dish 6 qt., numerous smaller items, make offer. 701-238-2502

2 male German Shepherd pups, $100. 701-403-0704

2003 Harley Davidson FatBoy (100th anniversary) 13,000 miles, fuel injected, detachable windshield, screaming eagle pipes, lockable saddlebags, chrome swingarm, $8,000. 701-361-2551

Complete fly fishing outfit, sage SWT fly rod with case, ross reel, vest, net, wet and dry flies, fly tying kit, & many extras, $400. 701-282-8573

New barb wire, red brand, 4 pt, 1/4 mi to a roll. $100.00 a roll, 8 rolls avail. Dave Barnhouse official HD art.

Several prints. 701-361-3484

4 Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, 275-65-18, brand new take-offs, 12 mi, $900. 4 Michelin Defender LTX MS 265-60-18 mounted on Verde Protocol chrome wheels fitting 20152022 Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon, 10/32 rubber (new 12/32), 75,000 mi warranty, 1,500. 701-235-4813

Queen-size 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. 701-541-6325

2013 Honda Santa Fe Sport, silver metallic, AWD, autostart, Bluetooth, new brakes & fairly new tires, 140K miles, $7,999. 701-639-3716

Anodized decorative fence, 17 panels 6’ ea., 5’ high w/ 2 6’ swinging gates 114’ length, all posts & hardware included. 3 vintage JD tractors 1938 AR, 1941 H, 1958 520, good cond. 217549-7846

Small painting jobs. Free est. within 25 miles of the Fargo area, Dean. 701361-5823

2006 Sears Craftsman Garden Tractor FS 550,. 54” mower deck, 3-bag bagging system, aerator, 44” snowblower, soft cab, weights & chains, 26 HP Kohler Engine w/1,300 hrs, $3,200/OBO. 701-799-9049

Wanted Motorcycles & ATVs. All makes, models, years, & cond. 701-361-7289

Small, round, wire corn crib. Older small bumper-type stock trailer. Used rabbit cages/hutches. “Satin” does. 701-668-2966

Please exercise caution regarding low clearance areas and be mindful of overhead wires that may be low or sagging. Farmers, ranchers, and construction workers are advised to be extra vigilant around overhead power lines this spring as CCEC lineworkers continue to work on adjusting and securing wires that may have sagged or stretched during the winter ice storm. If you observe any abnormalities or concerns, please contact us at 701-356-4400.