2025 June Highline Notes by Cass County Electric Cooperative

HIGHLINE notes

June 2025

Community support to the MAX, pg.4

Electric cooperatives see victories in 2025 legislative session, pg. 7

Welcome to the team, pg. 8

editorial

Paul Matthys, president/CEO

North Dakota is one of four states where the legislature meets biennially in odd-numbered years. The 2025 legislative session began on Jan. 7 and concluded on May 3. This session was part of the 69th Legislative Assembly and was served by legislators elected in the 2024 elections. The assembly consists of 141 legislators — 94 in the House of Representatives and 47 in the Senate.

You may wonder why I’m writing about the North Dakota Legislative Assembly or why this topic matters to an electric cooperative. I refer to the old saying: “If you don’t live in politics, you die in politics.” While not meant literally, it underscores the importance of staying engaged

in local, state, and federal political issues to promote energy-friendly policies.

Rest assured, we never navigate this landscape alone. Cass County Electric Cooperative relies on strong partnerships with organizations such as the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC), the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), and Minnkota Power Cooperative. These affiliates help us stay informed on key political developments and assist in our conversations with elected officials on matters impacting our cooperative and its members.

Several bills during the 2025 legislative session caught our attention — some with potential negative impacts, others with positive implications. You can read about these items in our legislative recap on page 7, but they included legislation covering natural gas pipeline development, the state's coal conversion tax, carbon capture storage and development, cooperative governance, and wildfire mitigation/responsibility. Additionally, we had our eyes on the following:

• House Bill 1579 focused on large electric loads (≥50 megawatts), specifically their

siting. The bill was ultimately amended to a study, giving cooperatives an opportunity to educate legislators about the development process for large loads.

• House Bill 1486 would have allowed consumers to opt out of using “smart meters.” This bill failed in the House — a favorable outcome for electric cooperatives and our members.

• House Bill 1176, which addresses property tax relief, passed the House and Senate at a wide margin and was signed into law on May 3. Cass County Electric was monitoring this one closely, as there were proposals early on that could impact electric cooperatives. However, it ultimately passed with a focus on primary residences.

Building and maintaining relationships with our local, state, and federal elected officials is essential — and something we take very seriously. When you see me attending events in Bismarck or Washington, D.C., please know I am there on your behalf, advocating for pro-energy, procooperative policies that protect and strengthen the services we provide to you.

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

APRIL 2025

The Cass County Electric Board of Directors met in person on May 1, 2025, (April’s meeting) and discussed the following topics:

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

• Board Chair, Glenn Mitzel

• Vice Chair, Terry Kraft

• Secretary, Paul White

• Treasurer, Kalvin Hoff

• Moved to approve the April 2025 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes, monthly department reports, director expense report, the March purchased power adjustment (PPA), and the annual report on disaster recovery status.

• Received the chairman’s report from Director Mitzel.

• Received the president’s report from President and CEO Paul Matthys, detailing key updates and outcomes from recent meetings and conferences attended.

• Received the first quarter 2025 financial report.

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

• Received a report from the NDAREC board meeting.

• Received a report from the rate committee.

• Reported on the 87th Annual Meeting held April 15, 2025.

• Received a report on the 2024 IRS form 990. The board approved Eide Bailly’s report.

• Moved to approve the April 2025 capital credit estate payments.

• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.

The next board meeting is Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Communications:

Morgan Bachelor

Sara Hand

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

Andy Weiss, VP of Corporate Services & CFO

Mitchell Lyter, 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

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.

See the story come to life — scan to watch the video!

Community support to the MAX

CCEC Operation Round Up assists in bringing new K-9 to Ransom County Sheriff’s Office

An 82-pound Belgian Malinois bounded through the grass of Baxter Park in Enderlin, North Dakota, chasing after his favorite yellow ball. The two-year-old was in play mode – until Ransom County Sheriff’s Deputy Jorge Gonzalez barked an order.

“Search!” Gonzalez commanded. The dog snapped into work mode, nose to the dirt as he sniffed for any object that didn’t belong. In moments, he found a switchblade tossed into the grass by Gonzalez minutes earlier. He sat in place, head held high, one ear at attention, the other adorably flopped to the side.

“Good boy, Max!” Gonzalez offered as he picked up the blade and released his K-9 partner.

This was just another round of practice for K-9 Max, who joined the law enforcement team in November 2024. Max is training to sniff out narcotics and recover evidence, and he’s gaining more skills (and patience) every time he patrols with Gonzalez. “It’s like shaking a BB in a plastic container. He is ready to go every time,” Gonzalez laughed. “And when he's ready to go, he knows what his job is.”

But for as much as K-9 Max is gaining from his handler, his handler is receiving something in return –healing.

In 2019, Gonzalez began working with his first K-9 unit since starting his role in Ransom County, a twoyear-old yellow lab named Jake. The

two became a popular pair in the communities served by the sheriff’s office, and Jake became an integral part of the Gonzalez family. Even though Jake was young, active and beloved by all, his cancer diagnosis was indiscriminate.

“When K-9 Jake passed away on October 2, 2023, it was…” Gonzalez said, pausing. “You ask any K-9 handler, and it’s a tremendous impact, because they live with us 24/7. It’s a part of our family.”

The Gonzalezes and the Ransom County Sheriff’s Office mourned the loss of K-9 Jake, as did those who had experienced the joy of seeing the duo work together. After a certain amount of time, Gonzalez was approached by Mike Martin, the

secretary of the Enderlin Lions Club. Martin asked the sheriff’s deputy when he would be getting a new dog.

“I told him, well, I’m kind of still grieving Jake,” Gonzalez recalled. “And he said, ‘A part of the healing process is to get another dog.’”

‘A community program’

With the blessing of the sheriff’s office, the Enderlin Lions Club got to work, spearheading an effort to raise funds for a new K-9 unit. The campaign kicked off with a community pancake feed that brought in $1,300. From there, the Lions Club wrote grants and fielded donations from the Enderlin Community Foundation, Enderlin VFW, Enderlin Alumni Association and individuals, both local and out of state. However, the largest gift came from Cass County Electric Cooperative’s (CCEC) Operation Round Up (ORU) program, which granted $8,500. In total, the Lions Club gathered more than $16,000 to help Gonzalez find a new partner.

“One of our mottos is ‘People serving people, people helping people.’ So, this is what we do. And the reason it was as successful as it was – it was an endorsement of Jorge,” Martin said. “Jorge is very popular. Affable, I think is the word. And he cares.”

CCEC Human Resources Manager Theresa Halverson, who also serves as ORU program coordinator, had a seat in the room when Sheriff’s Deputy Gonzalez presented his story to the volunteer ORU board. The board meets quarterly to review grant applications and allocate money that is donated by the membership by “rounding up” their bills to the nearest dollar.

“There are so many things as far as criteria that the board looks at when they're making those selections. The biggest concern is how much of the community would benefit,” Halverson said. “In this particular incident, the story that they brought was just so touching. I don't know that there was a dry eye in the room.”

With the funding for a new K-9 secured, Gonzalez needed one last thing – a name for his new sidekick. “Everybody had a suggestion. That was fantastic, because that alone showed the community engagement,” he said. Ultimately, the sheriff’s office decided to hold a coloring contest for area students in which they could pitch names. They received more than 200 entries, and one name kept popping up – Max.

“The community has been outstandingly, overwhelmingly fantastic about the K-9 program,” Gonzalez said. He noted that it is, and has always been, “a community program,” and K-9 Max is a perfect encapsulation of his community: strong, driven and ready to serve.

“He's upped my game quite a bit,” Gonzalez said with a warm smile. “He's demanding the best of me, so I'm giving him my best to give the best to the community.”

K-9 Max stands alert in the patrol vehicle, awaiting the command from Officer Jorge Gonza-lez to begin a training demonstration. The pair later showcased tracking and detection skills at Baxter Park in Enderlin.

program

Levelized (budget) billing – A more manageable bill

What is levelized billing?

Levelized billing is a free option offered to CCEC members designed to help lessen the impact of higher seasonal electric bills. With this option, you will be billed a rolling average of your electric usage over the past twelve months. In the cold winter or hot summer months, when you tend to use more electricity, levelized billing can help keep the monthly bills within a stable range to help you better manage your money.

Do I have to pay to enroll?

No. Levelized billing is a free option. It does not reduce or add anything to your bill.

How much is my bill going to vary each month?

If you are just starting with the levelized billing option, and have less than 12 months of usage history, your bill will vary until you've reached 12 consecutive months of service at your current service location. Once you have been enrolled in the program for a year or longer, your monthly payment amount evens or “levels out.”

When can I start levelized billing?

Anytime! There is no minimum amount of time that you must have been receiving service at an address to get started with levelized billing. This option can begin as soon as the month after you get set up.

Why does my bill say I used less electricity than I paid for?

With levelized billing, you pay an average of your energy usage over the past twelve months. So, when it’s springtime, and you aren’t using a lot of energy, you will probably have to pay more than what you’ve used. This is so that when the cold North Dakota winter hits and you have to heat your house and use a lot more electricity, you get to pay less than what you used. The levelized billing option helps to make your payment amounts more consistent. Rather than having the seasonal variation in your electric bill, you’ll have a consistent payment regardless of how much energy you use.

Who should enroll in levelized billing?

Levelized billing is an excellent option for a homeowner who uses electric heat in the winters, members on a set monthly budget, or anyone who would like to know what to expect from their electric bill every month.

How do I unenroll in levelized billing?

Tried levelized billing and decided it’s not for you? That’s fine! Call member services at 701-356-4400 or email info@kwh.com and ask to stop the levelized billing option. Depending on when you unenroll, you may have a balance or a credit leftover that will be added to your next month’s bill.

How do I enroll in levelized billing?

Electric cooperatives see victories in 2025 legislative session

North Dakota’s electric cooperatives were active and effective at the Capitol during the 2025 legislative session, advocating for memberfocused legislation and protecting against proposals that could increase costs or compromise electric reliability. The session brought several key wins that strengthen the future of affordable, sustainable and resilient electricity for Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) members.

A major development this session was the state’s allocation of up to $500 million toward the development of a large-scale natural gas pipeline. The proposed line would stretch from the Bakken region to the Casselton area, opening the door for potential future power generation projects. While the project remains in early planning stages, it represents an important opportunity for resource diversification and long-term reliability as North Dakota’s energy needs grow.

Cooperatives also successfully advocated for a phased implementation of the state’s

coal conversion tax. Rather than reinstating the tax all at once –which would have imposed a multimillion-dollar annual burden on electric cooperatives – the legislation allows for a gradual phase-in over five years. This outcome ensures proper financial planning and helps minimize cost impacts to end-use members.

Efforts to impose barriers on carbon capture and storage (CCS) development were a concern heading into the session. These proposals, if enacted, could have limited the ability to deploy CCS technologies needed to comply with potential future environmental regulations. Cooperative advocacy played a central role in defeating these bills, preserving CCS as an option.

Another success came in maintaining cooperative selfgovernance. A bill aimed at restricting how cooperatives manage large load and data center development was defeated. Cooperatives emphasized that local governance and member involvement are fundamental to the

cooperative model, and unnecessary external oversight would have disrupted that balance.

Cooperatives supported the passage of a transmission siting bill that creates uniform setback standards statewide for new transmission line development. This legislation provides much-needed clarity and consistency, allowing critical infrastructure to be developed responsibly and with respect for landowners.

With wildfire risk increasing in western North Dakota, lawmakers passed a bill that helps define the roles, responsibilities and liabilities of utilities in the event of a wildfire. This legislation is a first step in a broader conversation around wildfire mitigation, and additional work in this area is expected in future sessions.

CCEC and its electric cooperative partners in North Dakota remain focused on member-first advocacy at the state level and will work every session to ensure that electricity remains reliable, affordable and sustainable for the long term.

Welcome to the team

Taylor Pollard, Cable locator

Hometown:

Grand Forks, ND

Education:

Grand Forks Central High School

Tell us about your career: I’ve been locating utilities for the past three years, primarily fiberoptic, copper, and coaxial lines. It’s rewarding work that requires focus and attention to detail.

Tell us about your family:

I have a very energetic dog named Banjo, a four-year-old lab mix who keeps life fun.

Hobbies: You’ll usually find me outdoors,

reading a book, or baking something—banana bread is a favorite in my kitchen.

What advice have you received that was the most impactful? Only take advice from people who truly inspire you.

If you won the lottery, what is your first purchase?

A lake house—with some smart financial planning first.

Favorite season: Summer

Favorite food:

Ice cream, especially Ben & Jerry’s or Blue Bell

James Prosper, Cable locator

Hometown:

Everywhere I’ve been has become my hometown.

Education:

Associate degree in Cybersecurity; currently pursuing a bachelor's in Project Management

Tell us about your career: My background is in IT and cybersecurity, but I’ve transitioned into field work as a utility locator. This role has sharpened my skills in safety, technical troubleshooting, and operations. I’m now studying project management to combine my tech experience with leadership.

Tell us about your family: I’m a proud parent of a 7-yearold who brings lots of laughs— especially when he teases me about how healthy I eat!

Hobbies:

I enjoy creative tech work like using Adobe tools, making music with AI, and staying up to date on the latest in technology and artificial intelligence.

What advice have you received that was the most impactful?

Focus on progress, not perfection. It’s helped me value growth over chasing flawlessness.

If you won the lottery, what is your first purchase?

I don’t play the lottery, but if I did, I’d probably invest it wisely.

Favorite season: Summer—perfect for staying busy and productive in the field

Favorite food: Green plantains—versatile and perfect for frying, boiling, or making into chips

Austen Leraas, Cable locator

Hometown: Hunter, ND

Education: Northern Cass High School

Tell us about your career: I started out as an apprentice electrician and worked for Verwest Contracting. From there, I moved into field tech work with Midco, eventually transitioning to the construction side.

Tell us about your family:

My parents still live in my hometown—my dad is a retired teacher and coach, and my mom teaches kindergarten. My sister teaches and lives in Esmond, North Dakota, with her farmer husband and their kids. My brother works as an occupational therapy assistant in Fargo. I’m lucky to have three nieces and one nephew.

Hobbies:

I enjoy spending time with friends, attending sporting events and concerts, and being outdoors— whether it's hunting, fishing, or relaxing at the lake.

What advice have you received that was the most impactful? No specific advice stands out, but I’ve learned a lot just from watching and listening to others.

If you won the lottery, what is your first purchase? Suite season tickets at Lambeau Field—Go Pack Go!

Favorite season: Fall

Favorite food: Steak

Christen Colgrove, Cable locator

Hometown: Milnor, ND

Education: Milnor Public School

Tell us about your career: I’ve been working as a utility locator since 2017. Over the years, I’ve marked gas, electric, fiber, water, and sewer lines. It’s a role that keeps me learning and always on my toes.

Tell us about your family: I have a wonderful 4-year-old daughter named Cora Reine who keeps me smiling and busy.

Hobbies:

I enjoy playing bingo, baking (especially sweets), and relaxing with a good book.

What advice have you received that was the most impactful? Trust your gut—it’s rarely wrong.

If you won the lottery, what is your first purchase? I’d buy a new house and take my daughter on a dream trip to Disney World.

Favorite season: Spring

Favorite food: Lasagna

Intense summer storms can be beautiful to watch, yet have the potential to be very destructive – and they can arise quickly. Lightning strikes, booming thunder, and torrential rain are powerful forces that, when coming in contact with utility infrastructure, can lead to power outages and damage to equipment.

Here are some lightning safety tips to keep you and your family safe:

• Head indoors at the first sign of lightning and invest in a surge protection device for your home electronics.

• Stay off corded phones,

Summer storm safety safety

computers, and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.

• Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths, and faucets.

• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.

• Immediately move off elevated areas.

• Never lie flat on the ground.

• Never shelter under an isolated tree.

• Immediately get out of and away from bodies of water.

Backup generators are great during power outages, but please be sure a licensed professional installed it through a transfer switch. Improperly wired

Download the Cass County Electric mobile app to report service issues and view the outage map.

generators can result in electricity backfeeding onto power lines, which can be incredibly dangerous for those inside your home and co-op lineworkers. Never operate a generator indoors or in confined spaces.

A good tip to remember: Keep fridges and freezers closed as much as possible during a power outage. An unopened refrigerator will safely keep food cold for about four hours; a full freezer will do so for about 48 hours.

For more information about how to protect your home electronics and appliances, visit CassCountyElectric.com.

CCEC outage restoration steps:

1. In situations where substation control equipment notifies technicians of an abnormality, technicians communicate with meters to see which meters are “talking back.”

2. Outage Management Systems (OMS) can help us pinpoint the location of the problem based on calls.

3. Inbound calls and app submissions alert us of an outage and help narrow down the scope.

4. The outage viewer is continuously updating as technicians and line crews work the outage(s).

5. Power control technicians may remotely reroute (switch) power in situations where this is possible.

6. During business hours, crews immediately proceed to the outage. After hours, line crews are contacted and proceed to our service centers to get their vehicles.

7. As soon as the outage is verified, text/e-mail outage notifications are sent to affected members.

8. Crews investigate the cause of the outage and work with power control to determine the safest course to restore power.

9. Line crews are on-site and completing repairs.

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 nearly 60,000 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

ND Underground

• This role used to be performed by a contractor, and will now be completed by the cooperative's newest employees, who you met on pages 8 and 9.

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

Opp Construction

YARD LIGHTS: Conducts light maintenance and replacements

• Dakota Hills Electric

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

• Utility Inspection Services

GENERAL MAINTENANCE: Painting, leveling transformers, and minor restorations

• Jack Martin Engineering

Opening the outdoors: A new era of accessibility in Fargo Parks

Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) is proud to support the Fargo community and its ongoing mission to create inclusive, accessible public spaces. In partnership with Dare 2 Stand Out (D2SO) and the Fargo Park District Foundation, CCEC recently helped bring new mobility options to Fargo parks by co-funding the purchase of a VertaCat—an electric-powered, all-terrain mobility device that enhances outdoor access for individuals with mobility challenges.

CCEC and D2SO each contributed half the funding needed for the purchase, working together to ensure that more members of our community can enjoy the outdoors without limitations. The partnership supports the Fargo Park District Foundation’s mission of expanding accessibility across the park system, and reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and innovation.

The VertaCat is designed to allow

individuals to explore trails, golf courses, and green spaces with ease, offering stability and comfort across a variety of surfaces—from paved paths to grassy fields. The Fargo Parks team recently received hands-on training to ensure a safe and effective rollout.

“Fargo Parks are a cornerstone of our community, providing spaces for recreation, connection, and well-being,” said Chad Brousseau, CCEC Vice President of Member & Energy Services. “We’re honored to support the Fargo Park District in making these experiences more accessible. The VertaCat is a powerful step toward ensuring everyone can stand out and fully participate in the joy of outdoor living.”

Dare 2 Stand Out—a movement dedicated to helping people live boldly and inclusively—was an essential partner in making this vision a reality.

“Our mission at Dare 2 Stand Out

is to level the playing field in the arena of life through inclusion and accessibility for all regardless of a disability,” said Chris Mapes, President, Dare 2 Stand Out.

“Partnering with Cass County Electric and the Fargo Park District Foundation to bring the VertaCat to Fargo aligns perfectly with our belief that everyone deserves the chance to explore, connect, and enjoy life outdoors.”

“This gift goes far beyond a mobility device, it’s a symbol of equity and opportunity,” added Craig Bjur, Executive Director of the Fargo Park District Foundation.

“The VertaCat opens new doors for so many and ensures our parks remain welcoming to all. We’re grateful for the support from both CCEC and Dare 2 Stand Out.”

Together, CCEC and D2SO are helping the Fargo Park District create more inclusive spaces, so that everyone has the opportunity to explore, enjoy, and dare to stand out.

Check out our Pinterest page for more recipes!

Summer is here, and so are fresh flavors! In this issue, see simple recipes for a dessert perfect for potlucks and refreshing salads that taste like sunshine on a plate.

Rhubarb coffee cake

Cake ingredients:

1 1/4 cups white sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup sour cream

3 cups diced rhubarb

Topping ingredients:

1 cup white sugar

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Mix together until clumps

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13” baking pan. In a large bowl, stir together 1 ¼ cups sugar, baking soda, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Stir in the eggs and sour cream until smooth, then fold in the rhubarb. Pour into prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping on the top of the cake mixture, then dust lightly with cinnamon. Bake for 45 minutes or when a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.

Strawberry summer salad

Salad ingredients:

1 head/bunch of Romaine lettuce (washed, cored, & coarsely cut)

1 pint fresh strawberries (washed, stemmed, & halved)

1/2 medium red onion (peeled, halved, & sliced)

Crystallized almonds ingredients:

1/2 cup slivered almonds

2 Tablespoons butter

1/3 cup sugar

Dressing ingredients:

3/4 cup light Mayonnaise

Mostaccioli salad

Salad ingredients:

16 or 20 oz package of mostaccioli pasta, cooked & cooled

1 small can of pimentos

1 large onion, chopped (red or sweet yellow)

1 large chopped cucumber

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 Tablespoon garlic salt

2 Tablespoons prepared mustard

2 Tablespoons parsley flakes (fresh or dried)

Dressing ingredients:

1 1/2 cup white vinegar

1 1/2 white refined sugar

1/4 cup salad oil

Preparation:

Mix salad ingredients together in a large bowl.

Mix dressing ingredients until sugar is dissolved, then pour over salad ingredients and refrigerate. Stir occasionally. The longer this salad sits, the better it gets!

1/4 cup milk

2 Tablespoons poppy seeds

2 Tablespoons raspberry vinegar

1/3 cup sugar

Preparation:

Mix salad ingredients together in a salad bowl. Next, crystallize the almonds by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the almonds and the sugar and sauté to a golden brown. Mix the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and then toss with the salad in a salad bowl. Chill briefly, sprinkle with caramelized almond pieces, and serve.

tech

Smart heat. Cool savings. Find your perfect heat pump.

Heat pumps have rapidly become one of the fastest-selling home heating and cooling products on the market – and for good reason. These systems are incredibly efficient, using electricity to move heat rather than generate it. That means lower energy bills and less dependence on fluctuating fuel prices.

But with more options on the market, you might wonder: What kind of heat pump is right for my home, shop, or cabin? Let’s break down the differences between two popular types — air-source heat pumps and mini-split systems — to help you decide which one fits your needs best.

Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)

How it works:

An air-source heat pump operates much like a heat transporter, using electricity to move heat from one place to another. In the winter, it brings heat into your home; in the summer, it moves heat out. A standard ASHP is a self-contained system that works with your existing ductwork, consisting of an outdoor compressor and an indoor air handler.

Benefits:

• Versatility: One system heats in winter and cools in summer.

• Whole-home efficiency: Because it transfers heat rather than creates it, it can deliver up to three times more energy than it consumes.

• Comfort: ASHPs maintain steady temperatures and can switch to a backup fuel source when needed.

• Savings: Qualify for co-op rebates and access our low off-peak program rate.

Best use:

Ideal for whole-home heating and cooling.

Incentives:

• Eligible for off-peak program rate

– nearly half the standard rate

• CCEC rebate of $150 per ton when installed on the off-peak program

• Other incentives may apply

Mini-Split Heat Pumps

How it works:

Mini-splits also use an outdoor compressor unit, but they don’t rely on ductwork. Instead, the outdoor unit connects to one or more indoor units via small refrigerant lines and cables. The indoor unit is usually mounted high on the wall of the room being heated or cooled.

Benefits:

• Versatility: Cools and heats with

one system.

• Zone efficiency: Heats or cools only the areas in use — great for targeted comfort.

• No ductwork required: Perfect for additions, remodeled spaces, cabins, or shops.

• Savings: Upfront costs may be reduced through co-op rebates, and efficiency means long-term savings.

Best use:

Ideal for spot heating or cooling a room, or full heating/cooling in a small shop or cabin.

Incentives:

• Eligible for off-peak program rate

– nearly half the standard rate

• CCEC rebate of $150 per ton when installed on the off-peak program

• Other incentives may apply

Whether you're looking to make your entire home more efficient or just need comfort in a specific space, there’s a heat pump solution for you. Plus, with rebates and off-peak incentives available through Cass County Electric Cooperative, your investment is even more affordable.

Learn more about rebate eligibility and the off-peak program at CassCountyElectric.com.

For Sale:

Set of Rawlings golf clubs w/ bag, cart, & 54 new balls, 50 used balls, $150. 701-235-2185

Large collection of Hofbauer Lead Crystal Byrdes Collection, Princess House Crystal, including water glasses, coffee mugs, pilsners, brandy, water pitchers, ice buckets, tulip champagne, & margarita glasses, Boyds Yesterday Child Dolls and Boyds Santa Series of 5 Santas (2 sets). 701-205-5440

New tractor rim 12x36 International, $400. 701-435-2676

Curt 16k 5th wheel hitch, includes hardware, brand new, $400/OBO. Curt Echo mobile brake controller, $150/OBO. 2020 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 North Star Premium, full cab, matte sage green, low miles, street legal, heat and AC, winch, front light bar, upgraded mirrors, kinetic door struts, asking $22,500. 701-715-2891

3 boxes bulk baseball cards, most '80 Topps, '81 Fleer, assorted others; Vinyl LPs: L Welk, Village People, Grease; JFK memorabilia; Lawrence Welk memorabilia; best offer. 701371-4674

XXL Dog crate in box, like new, $50. Dog kennels XXL & med. $65 for both. 701-361-8659

2003 Harley Davidson Fatboy (100 anni.), 13,000 mi, fuel injected, detachable windshield, screaming eagle pipes, lockable saddlebags, chrome swingarm, pics avail., $6,000. 701-361-2551

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

Yale & Towne vintage steamer trunk, exterior brown canvas w/ wood paneling, leather straps, & orig. buckles. Internal cloth in very good cond. & has the orig. fabriccovered, tray & storage shelf w/ folding lid, $200. 1950s metal DollE-Crib, featuring graphics in great cond., orig. bedding, orig. 4 wooden wheels, & drop-down side, $20. Authentic ‘90s felt flag baseball pennants, 12" x 30 1/2", $20/ea. (‘87‘96 Chicago Cubs, ‘90s Pittsburgh Pirates, ‘90s Cincinnati Reds, ‘90s Kansas City Royals, ‘87-‘96 Houston Astros). 701-388-4418

2016 Winnebago 2455BHS camper, sleeps 5, slide out dinette, TV/ DVD stereo, TV swivels to master bedroom or living area, inside appliances plus outside shower, cooktop, refrigerator, speakers, lighting, and awning. Just like new for half the price, $18,000. 701-8666192

32” Sharp flat screen TV, good size for apartment/dorm, $75. 218-2401938

Crestliner FishHawk 1750, 2022 Fishhawk with 115 4-stroke Mercury, 4 seats, Terrova Minnkota trolling motor, Lowrance Elite 9 DSI, only has 47 HRS, in exc. shape, $37,000. 701936-1443

Baby Lock Verve sewing/ embroidery machine, barely used, includes walking foot, bobbins, all accessories, protective case, manuals, self-threading needle, serviced & ready to use, $950. 701298-8334

2021 Ford Class B Pleasure-way Ontour 2.0 motorhome, exc. cond. 41-K miles, $96,000. 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD 2-wd quad cab, Leer topper, Luverne alum. running boards, exc. cond. 31,349 miles, $26,000/OBO 701-367-0115

Antique/Vintage China cups and matching saucers, many different designs, patterns, and some with gold detailing, $15.00 per set of 1 cup and 1 saucer, cash only. 701-371-8320

Child's wooden China cabinet/hutch or curio cabinet w/ child's antique porcelain tea set, H-41 1/4", D-13 1/2", W 21-1/4", shelf bottom 12" deep, shelf top 8" deep, $80 cash. 701-371-8320

Maximized Living kit, includes wobble cushion, rollers, head weight, cervical traction, wedges, weights, carrying bag, $80. 701-3881107

Heat pump, 2-ton, Marathon 100 gal. water heater. 701-680-0251

Antique hutch, $125. Wooden table w/ 6 chairs $125. Cherry finish, 1950s vintage. 218-790-8131

2 Vikings stocking hats, 1 new, $25. Other one, $20. 701-866-8218

Electric scooter, buzz around carry on model gb120, used very little. Folds up, one battery, after 5 pm. 701-282-3280

Wanted:

GM original equipment style pickup box rails, 6.5' or 8' from '70s and '80s model years. 701-361-8506