HIGHLINE notes
January 2025
Lighting up winter fun, pg. 4
From power plant to light switch, pg. 6
editorial
Paul Matthys, president/CEO, Cass County Electric Cooperative
It is hard to imagine that 2024 is “in the books” and that we are already plowing our way into 2025. I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and could spend time with family and friends. In this article, I will spend a little time reflecting on the past year, but I will dive into some plans and what is in store for your cooperative in 2025.
As with every other year, 2024 had its ups and downs, but we ended well financially with rebounded energy sales in the last half of November and December. Look for more detailed information in the April Annual Report.
I have spent more than 24 years of my career at Cass County Electric, and staying employed here for 30-plus years is not uncommon. However, we are seeing some natural attrition and a changing of the guard, if you will. This year alone, five employees will be retiring, including our chief financial officer, chief information officer, manager of IT, fleet supervisor, and manager of system operations.
Now, this can seem overwhelming and even scary, but rest assured that we have an excellent succession plan and a strong recruitment system. Building our bench, cross-training, employee development, and training plans have all been essential to our strategic business plan to ensure our member service does not waver.
Our strategic business plan also includes managing tighter budgets, reducing expenses, and evaluating
financial decisions related to leasing or purchasing large power-operated equipment (i.g., bucket trucks, digger-derrick trucks, etc.). Safety awareness and risk mitigation will be at the forefront of our newly revised strategic business plan. We will continue to put the safety of our employees and our members at the very top of our priority list. We will also increase our safety awareness communication with our industry partners, including builders, contractors, and developers.
Paperless billing, autopay, and the Cass County Electric app will continue to be promoted. I urge everyone to participate in these opportunities and to please consider signing up if you aren’t already. These are excellent ways to allow us to use less paper, control expenses, and better engage with our members.
I will briefly cover the future of rates and wholesale power costs. Cass County Electric is a distribution cooperative, and we purchase all our wholesale energy (other than a small portion from our Prairie Sun Community Solar array) from Minnkota Power Cooperative. In past articles and annual and member meetings, I have shown that we have had stable electric rates for the past seven years despite the upward pressure on material, labor, and operating expenses.
Beginning in April of this year, we will see an 8.3% wholesale rate increase from Minnkota. Our plan for this increase is not to raise rates immediately but to utilize the
purchase power adjustment tool and evaluate the wholesale rate increase related to our retail rates through a cost-of-service study. The key components of our historic rate stability are strong load growth, a strong balance sheet, and efficiently managing the cooperative's costs, which still holds true today.
The purchase power adjustment, or PPA, is a line item on your electric bill. We use this tool to adjust for fluctuating wholesale power costs without regularly adjusting the base rates. The PPA is calculated using a four-month average from our wholesale power bill, so you won’t see much of an increase until you receive your July statement. The 8.3% wholesale rate increase will have about a 6% impact on your bill through the PPA calculation.
Transparency and communication about rate increases are paramount to us. We understand the frustration that inflationary price increases for almost everything in our daily lives have caused recently. We are proud of our track record of stable electricity rates over the past seven years, while inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index, is up 25% over the same time frame. As we learn more about the impacts of the wholesale rate increase, we will continue to communicate the adjustments and changes through our communication channels.
2025 looks to be another excellent year for growth and a more energy-friendly environment. We will continue to prioritize safety, affordability, and reliability.
9 tech
10 safety
12 impact
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS - NOVEMBER 2024
The Cass County Electric board of directors met in person on Nov. 26, 2024, and discussed the following topics:
• Approval of the November 2024 consent agenda for the regular board meeting, consisting of minutes, monthly department reports, director expense reports, and the October purchased power adjustment (PPA).
• Received the board chair’s report.
• President/CEO Paul Matthys gave the president’s report, providing updates on the meetings and conferences.
• Moved to approve the 2025 Annual Meeting voting options, including absentee ballot by request and inperson voting.
• Received the October 2024 financial report.
• Received the 2025 preliminary budget preview from each department.
• Reviewed the 2025 IT Audit - Scope of Work Agreement with Eide Bailly, LLP.
• Reviewed the 2025 IT security audit with Red Siege.
• Reviewed the 2025 Letter of Engagement for the 2024 Financial Audit with Eide Bailly, LLP.
• Received reports from the Minnkota Power Cooperative and NDAREC board meetings.
• Moved to approve the November 2024 capital credit estate payments.
• The board elected Director Seymour to serve as NDAREC director and Director Mitzel as the alternate in 2025.
• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and
TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
Cass County Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Communications:
Morgan Bachelor
Jocelyn Lura Hovland
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
Lighting up winter fun!
Whether you’re bundling up for outdoor adventures or staying cozy indoors, CCEC is here to ensure our community thrives this season.
As temperatures drop, local indoor entertainment facilities become hubs of entertainment and connection, offering residents and visitors warm and exciting escapes. At Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC), we’re proud to power these vibrant spaces, helping them provide the energy needed to keep our community entertained all season long.
Family-friendly venues like indoor parks, arcades, bowling alleys, and theaters are just a few examples of the many local options that bring joy to families during the chilly months. Whether children laugh as they climb and bounce or families bond over a movie and popcorn, these experiences are essential to winter vitality in our area.
Charley Johnson of Visit FargoMoorhead highlights the importance of these businesses, stating, “Lots of folks enjoy winter outdoor activities, but indoor entertainment is crucial to shortening up what can sometimes seem like a long winter. The places on this list give people of all ages a chance to have fun in safe, warm settings.”
CCEC is proud to serve many indoor entertainment accounts, ensuring they have reliable, affordable energy to meet their needs. While we celebrate these local hot spots served by CCEC, we also encourage exploring the countless other indoor and outdoor activities our area offers—from skating to other wonderful indoor options not served by the cooperative to enjoying fantastic local dining options.
This winter, as you plan family outings or host out-of-town guests, consider the many entertainment options powered by your cooperative. Together, we’re lighting up our community and warming hearts through the power of energy.
❄Bonanzaville USA
This historical village and museum bring the region’s pioneer history to life through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and authentic buildings.
❄Caring for Kids Playland
Designed for young children, this colorful playland offers a safe, interactive space to climb, slide, and explore. It’s an ideal spot for active play on cold winter days.
❄Clay Your Way
A creative haven, Clay Your Way invites visitors to paint ceramics, create pottery, and craft unique keepsakes in a relaxed environment.
❄Courts Plus Indoor Playground
Located within Courts Plus Community Fitness, this indoor playground offers climbing structures and open play areas for kids to burn off energy while parents can enjoy fitness facilities.
❄Dreamland Indoor Playground
A wonderland of slides, tunnels, and climbing structures, Dreamland is a favorite for spontaneous playtime adventures.
❄Evolve Golf
Focused on innovation, Evolve Golf offers state-of-the-art golf simulators and expert coaching, perfect for honing your game indoors.
❄Fargo Climbing
This indoor climbing gym offers walls for all skill levels, bouldering options, and classes for climbers looking to sharpen their skills or those just learning.
❄Fargo Force Hockey
Cheer on the Fargo Force at Scheels Arena, where thrilling hockey games and a lively atmosphere make for an unforgettable night out.
❄Fargo Kids Play Museum
Blending education and fun, this museum encourages imaginative play through interactive exhibits designed for children of all ages.
❄Fargo Parks Sports Center
This state-of-the-art facility hosts sports leagues, tournaments, and community events, offering yearround opportunities to stay active indoors.
❄Fargo Pinball
A retro arcade featuring dozens of classic and modern pinball machines, Fargo Pinball is a nostalgic escape for gaming fans.
❄Four Star Ninja Academy
Unleash your inner ninja with obstacle courses, climbing challenges, and fitness programs tailored for kids and adults alike.
❄GAME ON!
This venue features arcade games and is located in the food court of West Acres. It’s entertainment reimagined for all ages.
❄Gimmies
This indoor putting course and lounge offers a unique spin on golf, blending fun, relaxation, and precision in one cozy venue.
❄Golf Addiction
Golf Addiction offers cuttingedge golf simulators that let you play on world-class courses year-round. With a full bar and food options, it’s a great spot for practice, friendly competition, or a fun night out.
❄Kingpinz Social
A modern entertainment destination, Kingpinz Social combines boutique bowling with arcade games, laser tag, and escape rooms for endless fun.
❄Marcus West Acres Cinema
Catch the latest blockbuster or classic film at Marcus West Acres Cinema, complete with reclining seats and concessions stacked with treats.
❄Red River Zoo
The Red River Zoo is home to unique cold-weather species from similar climates around the world, offering year-round educational and interactive exhibits and events.
❄Roger Maris Museum
Nestled within West Acres, this museum honors local baseball legend Roger Maris with memorabilia and exhibits celebrating his record-breaking career. A must-visit for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
❄Rustad Recreation Center
A hub for community activities, Rustad Recreation Center features multi-purpose gymnasiums, walking tracks, and event spaces, catering to families and fitness enthusiasts.
❄Scheels
Much more than a sporting goods store, Scheels offers a Ferris wheel, interactive games, and a wide range of outdoor gear, clothing and toys under one roof.
❄Suite Shots Golf
Experience golf year-round at Suite Shots, a high-tech driving range and entertainment venue featuring climate-controlled bays and delicious food.
❄The Lights Ice Rink
The Lights Ice Rink offers a fun and festive outdoor skating experience, perfect for creating winter memories with family and friends. We’ve listed this rink and not others, because skate rentals are available.
❄Thunder Road Amusement Park
Though most known for outdoor attractions, Thunder Road also offers indoor arcade games and activities, making it a year-round favorite.
❄United States Axe Throwing
Channel your inner lumberjack at this unique venue, offering safe and thrilling axe-throwing experiences for beginners and experts alike.
❄West Acres Shopping Center
West Acres Shopping Center is the area’s premier retail destination, boasting a mix of top stores, exhibits, restaurants, and unique experiences. Its indoor setting makes it a favorite yearround hangout.
Most of the venues listed are family-friendly, catering to a wide range of ages with activities suitable for kids, teens, and adults. However, a few, depending on the time of day and event, may have a stronger appeal to older audiences or adults and might not always offer family-focused options. It’s best to check with each venue for details about age restrictions, family activities, or designated family-friendly hours.
Planning Checklist
Choose the right activity
✅Family-Friendly Fun: Look for venues that offer activities for all ages, like indoor playgrounds, museums, or arcades.
✅Active Fun: Find places with physical activities, such as climbing gyms or indoor sports facilities.
✅Creative or Relaxed Fun: Consider venues that offer creative workshops, golf simulators, or cozy lounges for a more laid-back experience.
Confirm age appropriateness
✅Kids & Teens: Ensure the venue has activities suitable for everyone—indoor play areas for young kids and more challenging activities for teens.
✅Adults: For a fun night out, look for entertainment options like bowling, golf simulators, or sports games.
Check for special offers
✅Group Packages: Look for group discounts at various venues.
✅Special Events: Be aware of seasonal events, tournaments, or themed nights.
Plan for food & drinks
✅On-Site Dining: Choose places with dining options, or plan to visit nearby restaurants before or after the event. The metro offers a wide-range of unique dining options
Confirm hours & availability
✅Operating Hours: Double-check venue hours and consider booking tickets in advance if required.
Prepare for parking & accessibility
✅Parking & Accessibility: Make sure the venue offers sufficient parking and check for accessible entrances if needed.
Stay safe & have fun
✅Know the Rules: Review any age restrictions, safety guidelines, or event protocols before heading out.
✅ Enjoy the Day: Relax and have fun, whether you’re playing games, trying new activities, or enjoying time with family and friends!
From power plant to light switch
You flip the switch, and the light comes on. It’s as simple as that, right? Not quite. It takes a great deal of effort from a lot of people to keep your power flowing. It comes from numerous sources and flows over a complex grid of connections. It’s generated, transported, and maintained by people across the country whose work all has one final destination: your home.
Just like corn, cattle, and soybeans, energy is a commodity. It is a product that is generated, consumed, bought, and sold. Sure, you can’t see it or hold it in your hand, but you can measure it, deliver it, and shut it off. In today’s world, energy is a necessity.
Like other commodities, energy is transported, but not by trailer, plane, or rail. Instead, it flows on a grid, a massive system of power plants and transformers across the country, all connected by hundreds of thousands of miles of transmission lines. From these high-voltage lines, power flows to substations and onto lower voltage distribution grids, where it ultimately ends up at homes and businesses. Energy differs from many other commodities in that it cannot be easily stored. Instead, it’s continuously fed onto the grid in order to match high-demand areas with high-production areas virtually instantly.
The entire United States power grid is split into three smaller grids, called interconnections. The Eastern Interconnection covers the area east of the Rocky Mountains, the Western Interconnection covers the area west of the Rockies, and the Texas Interconnection covers most of Texas.
The grids are further broken down into more manageable chunks, which are assigned to organizations that coordinate, control, and
monitor the system covering the smaller region. These organizations are known as regional transmission organizations (RTO) and independent system operators (ISO).
Though individual utilities often own transmission and distribution lines, the success of the U.S. power grid requires cooperation from everyone. After all, the extensive network of connections can technically be considered the largest machine in the world. In recent years, much focus has been put into making the grid “smart,” updating it with cutting-edge computer technology, which allows more efficient monitoring and maintenance along with upgraded security and reliability.
So what exactly does this massive grid mean to us on a local level?
Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) and our power supplier, Minnkota Power Cooperative, represent small pieces of the overall grid. CCEC is a distribution cooperative, meaning our focus is bringing power to you; we distribute power to our membership. On the other hand, Minnkota is a generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative. Their focus is obtaining power and transmitting it for distribution. So how does Minnkota obtain power?
Much of it is generated at coal power plants or from various other nonbaseload sources, like hydro
and wind. G&T co-ops and other utilities generate energy and deliver it to their customers. Still, it is not likely that the amount of energy being produced will ever exactly match the amount of energy being consumed at any given point.
For example, during an extremely cold winter stretch, local consumers require more energy to keep their homes warmer. To be prepared for these unexpected demand increases, Minnkota has additional tools at hand. Load control may be enabled, allowing electric heaters and other interruptible loads to be remotely shut off. This enables them to manage demand and keep costs stable. Additionally, energy may be purchased from the energy market.
If energy demand outweighs energy production in our part of the country, during the same period of time, another generation facility located elsewhere may be experiencing higher production than demand. The excess energy from this facility is placed on the market and facilities experiencing high demand, like Minnkota Power Cooperative, can purchase it. Of course, if their demand is low, excess energy is made available for sale on the market as well. During times of high demand, they utilize load control, market purchases, or both in order to provide energy in the most cost-effective way possible.
The chunk of the grid that we currently belong to is managed by Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). The MISO section of the grid covers much of the Midwestern United States and Ontario, Canada. It also includes a southern region, covering much of Arkansas, Mississippi, and
Louisiana. Along with monitoring the grid itself, MISO also directs the energy market. It is responsible for managing the supply and demand issues of energy across its territory.
Working with providers across a large region is just one way that Minnkota and Cass County Electric
Cooperative ensure that there is always enough energy supply to meet demand. It’s a complex system that operates on one chief principle— cooperation, with one ultimate goal— providing safe, affordable, and reliable electricity to members every day.
2025 Director Elections
Cass County Electric Cooperative’s directors serve as liaisons between fellow members and the cooperative executive staff, providing guidance and oversight on cooperative finance and operations. Directors provide the vital service of voicing the membership’s needs and upholding the cooperative value of democratic member control.
CCEC members in Districts 1, 6, and 8 interested in becoming a director should contact our executive assistant at 701-356-4405 or directorelections@kwh.com for a director election petition packet.
Interested members must return all required paperwork to the cooperative by Jan. 15, 2025. Members
will vote for new board members at the cooperative’s April 15, 2025, annual meeting.
Scan here for more info!
Candidates interested in running for three-year terms for positions in Districts 1, 6, and 8 must be bona fide residents of the district in which they are seeking directorship. Below are the current directors of these districts.
District 1 Paul White (I) Stirum
District 6 Glenn D. Mitzel (I) West Fargo
District 8 Kalvin Hoff (I) Fargo
Scan the QR code to learn more about how to run for the board or to view the district map in more detail.
Cut costs and stay cozy with a smart thermostat
tech
Installing a smart thermostat is a simple yet powerful way for Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) members to save energy, reduce costs, and enhance home comfort. Heating accounts for nearly half of a household’s annual energy consumption, making it the single largest contributor to energy bills. Smart thermostats allow homeowners to optimize heating and cooling schedules, minimizing waste by adjusting temperatures based on occupancy, time of day, or even weather forecasts. This not only keeps your home comfortable but also ensures you’re not paying for unnecessary energy use.
Potential savings
By installing a smart thermostat, homeowners can achieve 1012% savings on heating and up to 15% on cooling costs annually. For CCEC members, this can amount to $50–$150 in savings each year, depending on energy usage habits, home insulation, and system efficiency. Additionally, these devices provide insights into your energy consumption, helping you identify more ways to save.
Why now is the time to switch
Smart thermostats are not just functional—they’re also convenient. Most models allow you to control your home’s
Top smart thermostat options
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Key Features
Advanced learning capabilities, geofencing, and compatibility with Google Assistant.
Strengths
Automatically adjusts to your habits, providing effortless energy efficiency.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
Key Features
Voice control integration with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant; includes a room sensor for precise temperature adjustments.
Strengths
Ideal for large homes with multiple rooms, ensuring comfort throughout.
temperature remotely via a smartphone app, ensuring your home is cozy when you arrive and energy-efficient when you’re away.
With North Dakota’s harsh winters, having a thermostat that adapts to your lifestyle ensures you maintain warmth without overusing energy. Investing in a smart thermostat now means long-term savings, enhanced convenience, and support for a greener future.
Take control of your energy use, lower your bills, and enjoy modern comfort with a smart thermostat today!
Honeywell Home T9
Key Features
Remote sensor capability, app-based control, and flexible scheduling.
Strengths
User-friendly interface and robust compatibility with various smart home systems.
safety
Watch out for utility scammers
Utility scams have become a major challenge over the past decade. More and more people are being conned out of money and their personal information by people pretending to work for utility companies. At Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC), we want to make sure our members know how to identify scammers and keep their information safe.
Be on the lookout for:
Unexpected calls or visits
CCEC representatives will always identify themselves and the issue they are contacting you about when talking with members. If you are speaking with someone unwilling to identify themselves, be cautious.
Immediate payment demands
Your co-op will never demand immediate payment over the phone or email. If you have any questions about your account balance, please go directly to our website or the Cass County Electric app and log in to your member account.
Suspicious callers
If you receive a call from a suspicious area code or caller claiming to be an employee of CCEC, hang up and call the phone number listed on our website or utility bill to verify.
Requests for personal information
Your cooperative will never ask you to share your social security number, bank account information, or credit card information over the phone or email. Don’t give out personal information to unsolicited callers.
Emails or texts with suspicious links
If you receive a message that CCEC is going to shut off your power if you don’t pay within a certain amount of time, that is a scam. Do not click any links provided and report the scam to us right away.
Scan here for more safety tips!
YOUTH TOUR ERA
1,800 students. 7 days.
1 unforgettable trip.
Join us on the adventure of a lifetime. On the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, you’ll do it all. You’ll explore monuments and museums, meet with members of Congress and get an up-close look at where our country’s laws are crafted. You’ll stand on the Gettysburg Battlefield, walk the halls of George Washington’s iconic 18th-century mansion and witness ceremonies honoring the men and women who fought in uniform for this great nation. For one jam-packed week, you’ll be immersed in the cooperative spirit that built and sustains our great nation. And all expenses are paid by CCEC!
Yeah, Youth Tour hits different.
Honoring heroes WWII memorial
June 15-21, 2025
To enter the essay-writing contest:
• You must be a sophomore or junior in high school.
• You and your parents or guardian must be served by Cass County Electric Cooperative.
Essay question:
Why is it important to be involved in your community, and how does that prepare you to be a future leader?
The application deadline is Jan. 17, 2025.
Email entries to Jocelyn Hovland at jhovland@kwh.com or mail a hard copy to: Youth Tour Essay Contest, 3312 42nd St. S., Suite 200, Fargo, ND, 58104.
Questions? Please contact Jocelyn Hovland, Cass County Electric, at 701-356-4400 during regular business hours.
Learn more and find the
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.
Featured recipient: Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum
The Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum is a community-driven initiative to create a premier science museum for the FM region. FMSM is redefining the concept of a science museum by building connections, sparking curiosity, and inspiring a future where everyone can embrace the role of a scientist. The museum is set to open in fall 2027 at Urban Plains in South Fargo.
Operation Round Up Cass County Electric Cooperative Foundation
Check out our Pinterest page for more recipes!
Breakfast burrito
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons canola oil
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
Salt and pepper
4 eggs and 4 egg whites
recipes
Kick off the new year with healthy breakfast recipes! Packed with whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits and veggies, these dishes offer energy and nutrients to start your day right. From hearty burritos to protein-rich frittatas and fluffy pancakes, enjoy flavor and health in every bite— perfect for busy mornings or relaxed brunches.
1 cup drained, rinsed canned low-sodium black beans
1/3 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
4 (10 inch) whole wheat tortillas
1/4 cup reduced-fat or fat-free sour cream
1/4 cup salsa
1 large tomato, seeded and diced
1 small avocado, cubed
Hot sauce
Breakfast sandwich
Ingredients:
12 large eggs
4 cooked chicken sausages, diced
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cups baby spinach, chopped
1 Tablespoon avocado oil
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
12 whole wheat burger thin buns
12 slices cheese Gouda (or your favorite)
Salt and pepper
Preparation:
Sauté onion in a skillet with oil over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add bell pepper and cook 3 more
Preparation:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sauté onion and pepper until softened and charred. Add black beans and chili flakes; cook until warmed. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
Whisk eggs and egg whites with cheese. Spray skillet with cooking spray, reduce heat to low, and scramble eggs until cooked.
Spread 1 Tablespoon of sour cream and salsa on each tortilla. Divide black bean mix, eggs, tomato, and avocado among tortillas. Add hot sauce if desired, roll up, and serve.
minutes. Stir in spinach, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 16x11 baking sheet. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in veggies and sausage. Pour into the baking sheet, spreading evenly.
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Cool slightly, then cut into 12 squares using a spatula.
Assemble sandwiches with a bun, egg square, and cheese slice. Wrap tightly in parchment and foil for storage.
Save money and stay cozy this winter
Winter in North Dakota brings stunning snow-covered landscapes—but it can also lead to higher energy bills. Cass County Electric Cooperative is here to help you stay warm and save money with a few practical tips to make your home more energy-efficient this season.
Seal up drafts
Cold air sneaking in through windows and doors can make your home chilly and your heating system work harder. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or draft stoppers to seal gaps and keep the warm air inside.
Adjust your thermostat
Lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees when you’re away or asleep can save up to 3% on heating costs per degree. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this easy while keeping your home comfortable when you need it most.
Let the sunshine in During sunny days, open curtains to let in natural heat and light. At night, close them to keep the warmth inside.
Insulated curtains are a great option for an added layer of protection.
Furnace maintenance matters
A clean furnace runs more efficiently. Replace or clean your filters as instructed to improve airflow and reduce energy use. Regular maintenance can also extend the life of your system.
Reverse ceiling fans
Set your ceiling fans to run clockwise on a low speed to gently circulate warm air that rises to the ceiling, keeping your living areas cozy.
Light the way with LEDs
With longer winter nights, energy-efficient LED bulbs can reduce electricity costs. They use up to 75% less energy and last significantly longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Making small changes can lead to big savings this winter. For more energy-saving ideas or help with your energy use, visit CassCountyElectric.com or give us a call. Stay warm and save smart!
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. Ads are not published in the April or December publications. 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
Simplicity DLX riding tractor, new 20 hp engine at 600 hrs. 42” snowblower, 50” mower deck, rear wheel chains, $3,500. 60” JD power broom fits JD X Series, new brushes & bearings, $2,700. Murray 30” riding mower w/ good 10 hp TEC engine, $750. 701-261-1647
4 tires, 225-60R18. 701-866-2570
7’ JD rotary mower, too big for my small tractor. Argo amphibious XTV land or water, nice machine, always shredded, make offer. 701-840-9349
2003 HD Fatboy (100th anniversary), 13,000 mi., fuel injected, detachable windshield, screaming eagle pipes, lockable saddlebags, chrome swingarm, pics. avail., $7,000. 701361-2551
Inogen One G5 Portable oxygen concentrator, 1-6 flow settings, intelligent oxygen delivery, weighs under 5 lbs., exc. cond., new 12/2022, used little, 100% factory serviced on 10/2024. Includes two lithium-ion batteries, black case, & power cord, $1,250. 701-212-2125
Small ornate antique oak chest, 15 drawers, 24”L x 12”H x 14”W, brass pulls w/ slots for labels, likely used for storing small notions or hardware, $250. 701-361-3039
6000-watt generator installed on cart, pics. avail., $310. 701-799-1114
Classic Lee Loader Kits, .357 & .38 w/ approx. 600(No. 100) primers w/ Lee
Auto-Prime, $85. 701-238-3505
6 life jackets, adult size. 3 Cabela’s, 2 sterns, next to new, 1 misc., used- ok cond. 1 throwable boat cushion. $75, all or none. 701-729-1921
26” “sidewinder” all-terrain bike, 15 speed, tires like new, $100/OBO. 701729-1921
WESCO snowblower 2 stage 90". Grass horse hay mid or small squares. Inspected bison meat by the pack, quarter, or half. 701-2381893
MTD Yard Machines snowblower, 24” powered by 5.5hp Tecumseh engine, elec. start, well-cared for, $250. 701-799-1349
1998 Honda Accord EX moon-roof, auto-start. New tires, brake shoes/ rotors, crack in windshield, paint has good base coat but needs clear coat, 223k miles, $1,800 firm. Murray snowblower 5/24”, sat for a couple of years, could use a tuneup, AutoStart, $150. Boat motor, trailer 16’ StarCraft 70 hp Evinrude, very low hours, 1976 model, $1,500. 207-391-9917
Sandy Acres 2024 locally harvested raw honey 8,16,32 oz available $8-24. Homemade jellies - 12 oz wild plum, cherry & apple butter, $10. Custom honey and/or jelly gift basketspriced per basket. 662-251-5954 Colfax, ND
Kettler Condor elliptical, $300. Clam portable fish house w/ floor, $200. 701-367-8626
Harman Pinnacle chair lift, $1,500 w/ biege leather chair & track, 1 yr. old. Pride Mobility Go Chair, $1,700, 1 yr. old, exc. cond., pics. avail. Assorted Photographic equipment. 612-7602211. Fargo
Yard Machines snow blower, 5.5 hp, 24”, $150/OBO. 701-840-1094 or 701749-2646
Toro snowblower w/ elec. start & hand warmers, walk behind, 1 y/o, never used, $1,000. 701-356-0385
Toro Power Max 826 OXE snow blower, bought new in Sept. 2011, works well, $595. 701-281-7963
74" Bobcat rock bucket, 84" 3 PT finishing mower, 4-wheel Massey Harris running gear, C Allis Chalmers tractor w/ mid mount sickle mower. 701-678-2908
Wanted
500-gal. propane tank. Front wheels & tires for front wheel assist JD4850. 701-238-1893
Good, trustworthy 350 Chevy pickup engine w/ 4BRL, Alt, full parts, or whole pickup, 1970s; will travel to pick up.701-210-2631
1970s & earlier home stereo equipment & record/tape/cd collections, looking for components by Pioneer, Sansui, Marantz, JBL, etc. Not looking for console stereos. Also looking for sports card collections. Call or text photos, 701541-7852
