September 2025
Standing strong, pg. 4
Built to last, pg. 6
editorial
President/CEO, Paul Matthys
Summer is slipping away, and fall activities are filling up our calendars and planning sessions. A couple of fall activities at electric cooperatives include budgeting and strategic business planning. We begin our preliminary budgeting process in mid-August and continue through October, finalizing it in November and December. Our strategic business planning starts in August with our executive staff and board of directors and typically focuses on three to four high-level topics. Contingency funds, electric rates (wholesale and retail), load growth, and power supply resources are a few typical topics for our business planning sessions.
If you attended CCEC’s annual meeting this past April, you heard me discuss power supply resources, large data loads, and natural gas pipelines. We are in a period of transition and are planning for the future of our cooperative and its members. I
want to take this opportunity to give you a clearer view of what we and Minnkota Power Cooperative (Minnkota), our wholesale electricity provider, have on our plates for strategic business planning.
Because of the decisions our cooperative leaders made in the late 1960s and early 1970s, our cooperative family has enjoyed reliable service and stable electric rates for the past 50-plus years. We are now at the same crossroads today and need to start planning for the next generation of cooperative members.
We have been working side by side with Minnkota to support the development of a natural gas pipeline from the Bakken area of North Dakota to the eastern part of our state. This year, the legislature provided up to $500 million in funding over 10 years for this project, and we believe it represents a potential opportunity to build the next generation of reliable power supply assets. Our renewable energy portfolio is also expected to expand through the development of Flickertail Wind Farm, which is planned near New Rockford, N.D. At the same time, we’re keeping all other options on the table, including combined or simple cycle natural gas, zero-emissions coal technology, and carbon capture projects.
These are major decisions and we’re approaching them with an abundance of caution, while also recognizing that inaction is not a long-term option.
Future power supply resource planning is needed to accommodate our existing members, future growth, and new members. We are also navigating and assessing the possibility of serving large data loads and the potential benefits that it would bring to our existing members and the region. There are some opportunities to leverage large data loads to help support future power supply infrastructure and stabilize future rate increases that will be needed as we replace our legacy power supply assets. Keep in mind that we will need to replace our existing assets at some point in the near future, regardless of serving large data loads.
As we navigate these challenges and opportunities, I will assure you that reliability and affordability for our traditional members are at the forefront of our strategic business planning. While keeping our legacy members at heart, we will develop strategic business plans that will allow our next generation of cooperative members to enjoy the same benefits of sustainability and reliability as we have.
Look Up and Look Out
for Power Lines
Overhead power lines are common on the farm, but failure to notice them can be a deadly oversight.
MEMBER MEETING
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15, 2025, AT 5:30 P.M. HILTON GARDEN INN • 4351 17TH AVE S, FARGO
HEAR FROM COOPERATIVE LEADERSHIP AS WE DISCUSS IMPORTANT INDUSTRY INFORMATION WHILE ENJOYING A DELICIOUS MEAL.
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS - JULY 2025
The Cass County Electric board of directors met in person on July 29, 2025, and discussed the following topics:
• Approval of the July 2025 consent agenda for the regular board meeting, which consisted of minutes, monthly department reports, director expense reports, and the June purchased power adjustment (PPA).
• Received the chairman’s report.
• Congratulated Director Kummer on attaining her Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certification.
• President/CEO Paul Matthys gave the President’s Report reporting on updates from meetings and conferences attended.
• Received the June 2025 and midyear financial reports.
• Received the annual IT security
audit review.
• Received the annual IT audit review.
• Received a report from the June and July Minnkota Power Cooperative board meetings.
• Received a report from the NDAREC summer board meeting.
• Approved the 2025 Wildfire Mitigation Plan.
• Received a report from the 2025 CFC Forum.
• Received a locating demonstration from CCEC employees.
• Recieved a report from Marcy Douglas, Minnkota Power Cooperative.
• Moved to approve the July 2025 capital credit estate payments.
• Reviewed upcoming meetings and events.
The next board meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 30, 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
STANDING STRONG
The silent story of power poles
They’re so common, most of us don’t give them a second glance. Wooden poles stand shoulder to shoulder across farm fields, weave through neighborhoods, and line gravel roads. But these quiet power poles do more than hold up wires — they carry entire communities.
At Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC), those poles are a foundational part of keeping the lights on. With more than 56,000 in our service territory, it takes planning, precision and a lot of behind-thescenes work to make sure they continue doing their job every day.
And that story starts with testing.
A routine that prevents emergencies
Every year, about 4,000 poles get a checkup. It’s part of a 12-year rotation that’s not only required but deeply valued by CCEC’s engineering and operations teams.
“We’d still be doing this even if it wasn’t required,” said CJ Erickson,
manager of system maintenance and fleet at CCEC. “This is about keeping our system strong, safe and reliable.”
To carry out this task, CCEC partners with Utility Inspection Services, a seasoned contractor that specializes in pole testing. They use GPS tracking to log each site and physically inspect each pole, looking not just at the wood but also the surrounding equipment and environment.
“We’re ahead of where we need to be,” CJ added. “And it shows. Only about five or six poles per year are flagged as urgent. That’s a testament to the strength of the system.”
What testing looks like in the field
There’s no high-tech flash to it. No dramatic hum of machines. Just trained professionals with sharp eyes, seasoned ears and a few essential tools.
Each test follows a simple three-step routine:
• A visual inspection for damage, cracks and wear
• A sounding test, tapping the pole with a hammer to detect hollow spots
• A drill test, where a small bit checks internal wood density
“It’s like tapping a watermelon,” CJ explained. “You can hear if something’s wrong, but the drill tells you what’s happening inside.”
Most decay happens where you can’t see it — right at or just below the ground line, where moisture, insects and time quietly do their work. Catching it early can make all the difference.
Safety comes first
Pole testing isn’t just about keeping the power flowing. It’s about keeping people safe.
“Number one, safety,” CJ said. “We have to make sure the poles can handle what they’re designed to do.”
Urgent poles are tagged as “priority”
and typically replaced within a week. Less critical ones are scheduled for replacement within the year, often timed around seasonal conditions or field access.
Planning plays a big role. Everything from snowpack and frozen soil to road access and crop rotation can affect timing.
“Sometimes the easiest part is replacing the pole,” CJ said. “It’s the planning that’s the challenge.”
When it comes time to swap the old for the new, CCEC crews often manage the work with minimal or no disruption to members. But if a short outage is needed for safety, that’s the route the team will take.
“We always go on the side of caution. Whether it’s a half-hour or an hour outage, we’d rather do it safer and more efficiently.”
The materials that stand the test of time
Most poles in CCEC’s system are made of treated wood. Newer installations occasionally use fiberglass or galvanized steel, but it’s the older poles that continue to impress.
“Some of our best poles are from 1949,” CJ said. “They were treated differently and grown slower, and they’ve stood the test of time.”
Today’s poles are grown faster and treated with modern preservatives, in compliance with EPA regulations. But as CJ noted, they’re not always as durable as the slow-grown, resin-rich timber of decades past.
Even wildlife plays a role in a pole’s longevity.
“Beavers are actually one of our biggest pests, chewing two feet up,” CJ said. “You’d be surprised how much damage they can do.” Once poles are removed, many are recycled by local members for fencing or farm projects. Hardware is stripped, tags are removed and, with a quick release form, the old poles begin a new chapter.
Staying respectful, staying reliable
When work needs to be done on private land, CCEC makes every effort to coordinate in advance. That includes calls or text notifications, and always respect for property and timing.
“If we’re going onto someone’s land, they’ll know,” CJ said. “We’re respectful. If something can wait until harvest, we wait.”
Eyes on the future, boots on the ground
As grid technology evolves, new tools are coming into play, including drones, remote sensors and predictive data modeling. But for now, nothing beats a trained crew on the ground.
“There’s some advanced technology out there, but it can’t see inside the pole,” CJ explained. “That’s why boots on the ground still matter.”
With reject rates below 2% and proactive testing leading the way, CCEC’s pole system is not only holding strong — it’s getting stronger.
42 ACCOUNTS 56,994 LOCATIONS 60,125 METERS 68,094 UNDERGROUND LINE 3,099 MILES OVERHEAD LINE 2,765 MILES POWER POLES 57,395 REGULATORS 107 SWITCHES 250 RECLOSERS 173 POLE-MOUNT TRANSFORMERS 3,675 PAD-MOUNT TRANSFORMERS 11,178
BUILT TO LAST
Investing in reliability. Underground.
When you flip a light switch, you probably don’t think twice. The power is just supposed to work. But behind that small moment of convenience is a vast system of electrical cables, poles, equipment, and people working tirelessly to ensure that electricity flows safely and reliably to your home—day after day, year after year.
At Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC), reliability isn’t a bonus, it’s a promise. It’s why we’ve invested in a major system upgrade in the Westwood neighborhood of West Fargo, replacing aging overhead lines with modern underground infrastructure. The goal: to reduce outages, improve safety, and futureproof the grid for decades to come.
“This neighborhood was built in the late 1950s and early 1960s with infrastructure that just doesn’t align with today’s standards,” said Troy Knutson, engineering manager at CCEC. “Everything was overhead— and in fenced-in backyards—making access for repairs extremely difficult.”
Westwood is one of West Fargo’s
oldest developments, and the electrical design was very much a product of its time: poles placed along property lines, power lines running through trees, and transformers perched like sentinels above sheds and swing sets. “It was kind of a double whammy of things we just don’t do anymore,” Knutson added.
For years, CCEC had considered updating the neighborhood’s aging infrastructure, with initial plans aimed for 2026. But when the City of West Fargo announced plans to replace the area’s water and sewer lines, it created the perfect window for collaboration. “We didn’t want to tear everything up again a year later,” said Knutson. “So we moved up our timeline and got to work.”
The results are more than cosmetic. While the old system still functioned, its age posed increasing risks, not just to equipment, but to crews and members. And in the event of an outage, navigating through fenced yards and trees could add hours to restoration times.
“We’ve had squirrel outages and transformer failures, typical things with overhead systems,” Knutson said. “But we knew that if we had a major issue, it would turn into a long, drawn-out outage. That’s the risk we wanted to eliminate.”
The project began in May 2025, involving everything from trenching and directional boring to rerouting service drops from the backyards to the front. In total, the project impacted over 60 homes. Each home received a new underground connection, and a third-party electrician assisted in converting existing overhead service to underground feeds.
To access the tight, fenced-in backyards, CCEC used a specialized tool known as a “backyard bucket,” a narrow, track-mounted digger designed for small, tricky spaces. It’s not equipment crews use every day, but for projects like this, it’s essential. And since it’s already on hand, CCEC is maximizing its value by using it for similar upgrades in Harwood and Briarwood.
“Underground systems don’t deal with wind, ice, or squirrels. You’re not trimming trees or replacing poles every few years,” said Knutson. “It’s not just about preventing outages, it’s about reducing maintenance, improving safety, and making the system more resilient.”
It’s also about planning ahead, a mindset that defines the cooperative difference.
As a cooperative, CCEC takes a long-term, memberfocused approach to system planning. “We think about what will serve our members best not just today, but 40 to 50 years from now,” Knutson said. “If I can make my successor’s job easier and safer down the road, that’s the route we’ll take. It’s part of how we look out for our members and each other.”
Member communication played a key role, too. Letters were sent out in advance, and CCEC’s Senior Design Project Manager, Brent Hodgson, coordinated directly with residents to secure easements and answer questions. While some members have understandably grown weary of months-long street construction, Knutson says the response to the electric upgrades has been largely positive.
“They may not realize how big of a risk we eliminated, but internally, we know this project will save us some serious headaches down the road.”
When all is said and done, the Westwood project is more than an infrastructure upgrade, it’s a reminder of what it takes to deliver power you can count on.
We don’t just keep the lights on, we design and maintain systems built for long-term reliability and service to our members.
Welcome to the team
Brittany Holte, Member Service Specialist
Hometown: Burlington, North Dakota
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in management and marketing
Tell us about your career:
Right out of college, I got a job at a marketing and advertising company as an account manager. After that, I moved to medical claims billing at the local hospital in Minot, North Dakota, Trinity Health. From there, I started a new job at WEX Health, previously known as Discovery Benefits, working from home as an account executive specializing in medical FSAs, HSAs, and COBRA.
Tell us about your family:
My mom and dad live in Minot. My dad is a foreman at Verendrye Electric. I have two brothers—one in Stanley working as a lineman for Mountrail-Williams, and
my older brother works as an electrical engineer at Moorhead Public Service. Everyone in my family owns a black lab, except for me, ha-ha.
Favorite season:
Fall. Halloween is my favorite holiday!
Hobbies:
Reading, simple sewing projects, playing volleyball, and watching other sports.
What advice have you received that was the most impactful? You never know unless you try.
If you won the lottery, what is your first purchase?
A plane ticket to travel around the world.
Favorite food:
Anything almond flavored!
ALERT: MISSING MATERIAL & SAFETY REMINDER
Recent storms have stirred up debris across the region, and Cass County Electric Cooperative is asking for your help. Farmers, ranchers, and landowners are urged to watch for downed electrical material, especially poles and wires that may have been blown into ditches, fields, or windrows.
If you find co-op property during field work, call our Power Control Center at 701-356-4400 so our team can retrieve it safely.
Hidden material can pose serious risks to both people and machinery during haying, spraying, or other agricultural work. Your vigilance helps us ensure safety and maintain reliable service across our area.
beware
How to outsmart utility scammers
Scams have evolved. Electricity, water, and gas customers are being targeted through increasingly sophisticated schemes year‑round—not just in winter.
What’s new in 2025:
• Smishing & fake payment sites: Scammers are sending texts and emails with official‑looking links or QR codes that lead to counterfeit payment portals. Some even spoof caller ID to appear authentic.
• Phony refunds and overpayments: Fraudsters claim you’ve overpaid your bill and ask for your bank or card info to "process a refund." Legit utilities apply credits or send refunds by mail—never request detailed financial info.
• Door‑to‑door deception: Impostors may appear offering free inspections, rebates, or selling filtration systems or energy audits. They often demand access or immediate payment. Legitimate utility visits are scheduled, with identifiable uniforms and vehicles.
• Post‑disaster phishing: After weather emergencies, scammers may impersonate utility or FEMA agents demanding urgent payment or information. Always double‑check via official agency channels.
• Urgency + unusual payments: Sending barcodes to pay at stores, insisting on gift cards, Zelle,
cryptocurrency, or payment apps, these are red flags. Real utilities don’t demand payment in these forms.
How to stay safe:
• Hang up on urgent, threatening calls. Reach out using contact details on your bill or utility’s official website.
• Never click links or scan QR codes from unsolicited messages. Pay only through recognized channels.
• Verify surprise in‑person visits. If unsure, ask for ID, check the vehicle, or confirm by calling your cooperative.
• Watch for impostor refund claims and “lock‑in” offers before rate hikes, these are often scams.
• Keep informed and report suspicious activity to your cooperative, local law enforcement, or the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Why it matters now
Scammers increasingly use AI, spoofing, and polished impersonation tactics. Awareness—not panic—is your best defense. With cooler weather upon us, now’s the time to share these tips with friends, family, and neighbors.
THE CCEC APP: POWER IN YOUR POCKET
Protecting what matters: CCEC’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan news
Download the Cass County Electric app to: Go paperless and cut the clutter
Manage your account anytime, anywhere
Report outages or delivery issues in seconds
Wildfires aren’t just a concern out west, they’re becoming a growing topic across the utility industry. And while Cass County Electric Cooperative’s (CCEC) service area isn’t heavily forested, we still take the risk seriously. That’s why CCEC has developed a formal Wildfire Mitigation Plan—a proactive approach to keep our members, infrastructure, and communities safe.
The plan was prompted by evolving insurance industry guidelines as well as a change to North Dakota state law, but much of it outlines what CCEC has already been doing for years: managing vegetation, inspecting equipment, and monitoring weather conditions. What’s new is how we’re using technology and mapping tools to guide those efforts more precisely.
An internal mapping system helps us overlay drought conditions, vegetation growth, and wildfire risk across our service area. This tool gives our team a real-time view of potential hotspots and helps prioritize where to trim trees, upgrade equipment, or even consider undergrounding lines.
We’ve also made design changes, like installing bird-safe equipment, moving away from older expulsion fuses, and replacing oil-filled devices with safer alternatives in higher-risk zones. And in the event of a fire, our plan outlines a clear response strategy, prioritizing critical infrastructure like hospitals and water systems.
It’s worth noting that some fire safety measures, like more sensitive breaker settings, can lead to longer outages during high-risk periods. This is a tradeoff between safety and reliability, but one we take seriously.
“We may not be able to prevent every fire,” said Troy Knutson, engineering manager, “but we’re doing everything we can to reduce the risk.”
The Wildfire Mitigation Plan is reviewed annually, refined as technology advances, and shaped by input from fire departments and statewide partners. It’s another example of how your cooperative is Driven to Deliver—safely, reliably, and with care for our communities.
tech
Fire prevention gets smarter with Ting
Exploring a tool designed to catch electrical hazards before they spark: When it comes to electrical safety, early detection can make all the difference. That’s why we’re highlighting Ting—a smart sensor that helps prevent electrical fires before they start.
Developed by Whisker Labs, Ting is a small device that plugs into any standard outlet and monitors your home’s electrical system 24/7. Using advanced sensors and machine learning, it listens for tiny, often undetectable signals that point to electrical hazards like arcing, overheating wires, or faulty devices. If a risk is detected, Ting’s monitoring team notifies the homeowner and helps guide them through the next steps.
Bob Miller, Manager of Energy Services at CCEC, recently tested Ting in his own home and shared that it gave him peace of mind after detecting a loose connection in his garage panel that otherwise would have gone unnoticed.
What are the benefits of Ting?
• Fire prevention: Detects electrical faults that can lead to fires—before they escalate
• 24/7 monitoring: Constantly tracks your home’s wiring and electrical activity
• Proactive alerts: Notifies you if a potential fire hazard is detected
• Power quality tracking: Identifies surges, sags, and grid disturbances affecting your home
• Simple setup: Just plug in and connect to Wi-Fi through the Ting app
• Peace of mind: Adds an extra layer of safety to your electrical system
On top of the added safety, some homeowners may even qualify for insurance discounts by using fire prevention tools like Ting. It’s worth checking with your insurance provider—you might save a little extra while protecting your home.
It’s important to note that Ting is not a product or service offered through CCEC. We’re simply sharing this as an educational resource for members interested in exploring smart home safety tools on their own. Electrical safety begins with awareness— and tools like Ting can give you one more way to keep your home and family protected.
WAYS TO PAY
MOBILE APP
The Cass County Electric mobile app is a powerful engine to make your life easier. View and pay your bill, sign up for alerts, report power outages, and more! The mobile app is available for Apple and Android devices.
AUTOPAY
CCEC will automatically draft your checking account, debit or credit card, for the amount of your monthly electric bill. You’ll still receive monthly statements, but you won’t have to write a check!
SIMPLIFY & SAVE.
1. Download the Cass County Electric mobile app
2. Go paperless between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31, 2025, for a chance to win $500 CASH!
ONLINE ACCOUNT
Cass County Electric’s online account platform puts the analysis of your account at your fingertips. You can pay your bill, view electricity usage, make a payment, manage account settings, set up autopay, paperless and more. All you need is your account number to sign up today!
PREPAY
PrePay puts you in control of when you pay for your electricity. Instead of receiving a paper or electronic bill each month, your usage is calculated daily, allowing you to pay as you go. As you use electricity, your credit balance is reduced.
PAPERLESS
Simply log into your account through the mobile app or online. Find settings, click or tap "Paperless Billing". Click or tap the slider button so it shows green to confirm paperless billing.
PAY NOW
If you do not want to create an online account, you can simply “pay now” for a one-time online payment. Simply enter your account number and last name to pay your bill. No registration is required.
PHONE
Call 701-356-4400 to make a payment 24 hours a day with a debit or credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or Discover), checking or savings account information talking with a local member service specialist during business hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Mail checks or money orders payable to Cass County Electric Cooperative using the return envelope and remittance included with your monthly bill statement. Please do not send cash via the Postal Service. 4100 32nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104
PHONE IVR
Call 701-356-4400 to make a payment 24 hours a day with a debit or credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or Discover) or by entering your checking or savings account information. Please have your account number available when calling our automated system.
DROP BOX
A payment drop box is located in the entryway at the cooperative’s Member Services building. Payments placed in the drop box will be processed by the end of the next business day. Include account number, name, and address. 4100 32nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104
BANK DRAFT
Payments can be drafted from your checking or savings account automatically or on an individual basis for the amount of your monthly electric bill. Contact your financial institution for more information.
IN PERSON
Payments can be made in person at our Member Services building: Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. 4100 32nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104
Check out our Pinterest page for more recipes!
As summer winds down and the evenings turn crisp, it’s the perfect time for fresh, simple, and hearty meals. These recipes capture the best of the season with wholesome ingredients and a touch of Italian flair. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, they’re sure to satisfy.
Grilled Walleye
Ingredients:
Walleye fish fillets
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving
Preparation:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Wash the fish fillets and pat dry with paper towels. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and sprinkle generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Allow flavors to meld for 15 minutes. Consider wrapping the fish in foil packets. Place the fish fillets on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the grill, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Panzenella
Ingredients:
Baked Portobellos
Ingredients:
4 large portobello mushroom caps, gills removed
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/4 cup parsley
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Sliced fresh mozzerella
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Brush the caps and rims with olive oil on each mushroom. Place remaining ingredients a bowl and let it sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld. Place your cheese on the bottom of the mushroom cap, spoon on the tomato basil mixture and bake for 15 minutes. Serve alongside balsamic and extra virgin olive oil.
1 pound of sourdough bread, lightly toasted, cut into
1” cubes
12 ounce jar drained and patted dry roasted red pepper
½ cup of extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 small red onion, quartered and sliced thin
2 medium green onion, sliced thin, including 3” of the green part
3 Tbsp pitted and sliced green olives
1 Tbsp minced oregano leaves
1 Tbsp minced garlic
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
2, 4-ounce knots of burrata
Preparation:
Toast bread and set aside. Mix remaining ingredients together. Let stand to allow the flavors to develop. Add the dressing to the bread and combine right before serving. Serve with burrata.
safety
From ember to outage: How it happens
What starts as a “controlled burn” can quickly become anything but, especially when fire and electrical equipment meet. At Cass County Electric Cooperative, we’ve seen firsthand how a simple burn for vegetation or weed control can turn costly and dangerous in a matter of minutes.
If your burn area is near a utility pole, the stakes get even higher. A fast-moving fire can cause thousands of dollars in damage, trigger power outages, and create serious safety hazards.
Why utility poles are at risk Fire damage isn’t always obvious. While blackening and scorch marks are clear signs, even slight discoloration can mean the inside of the pole is smoldering and structurally compromised. In most cases, the pole must be replaced— and the replacement cost is billed to the person responsible for the fire.
Beyond repair costs, damaged poles can cause outages or lead to energized lines falling to the ground, creating a potentially deadly situation for people and animals nearby.
How to burn safely near utility poles
If you’re planning a controlled burn this season, take these precautions to protect yourself, your neighbors, and your local electric system:
• Plan ahead. Check the weather forecast for wind speed, wind direction, and humidity. As a general rule, relative humidity should be 40% or higher.
• Clear the base. Remove vegetation and weeds at least four feet around the base of any nearby utility pole.
• Add a layer of protection. Wet the vegetation around the base of the pole with water before lighting your burn.
Scan here for more safety tips!
• Know when to stop. If your fire gets too close to a pole, begins burning it, or grows out of control—call 9-1-1 immediately, then notify Cass County Electric Cooperative at 701-3564400.
Important: Never spray water directly on a burning pole, power lines, or any electrical equipment. Water conducts electricity, and you could create a short circuit or suffer a serious injury.
Working together to prevent hazards
Before burning near power lines, we encourage you to contact our operations team at 701-356-4400. We can help you understand the safest approach and avoid costly damage.
For more information on electrical safety, visit casscountyelectric. com/safety.
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 firstreceived, 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:
Ruff Tough large front & back double door dog kennel w/ tray, $200. 2 large dog kennels, $70/ea. 3 Orvis XL Recovery Zone couch dog bed, gray, 1 NIB, $250. 2 gently used $150/each. Cash only. 701-446-6670
John Deere Turbo 8820 combine runs well, good tires; however, it has not been used for many years. 925 Flex Header, 653A Sunflower Header, 222 Header, & belt header, OBO. Also, other older farm equipment. 701924-8267 or 701-680-8460
Dog kennel up to 75lbs dog, like new, $35. 417-612-1568
Old 14' trip rake, 2-7' cultivators & 1-2 bottom plow for category 3-point hitch, $75/ea. 612-865-2995
James Meger prints, The Front, The Gathering, & The Storm. All signed & numbered the same, framed and matted, $500. 956-566-6047
Autographs of Chicago Cubs, Erine Banks & Leo Durocher, July 15, 1966, at St. Louis, MO. game, $600. 701793-5806
Two NFL Vikings hats, one new in bag, $23. One used, $18. 701-860-0218
1979 Camero 250 six-cylinder, 3-speed manual transmission, 142k miles, runs & drives, have pictures, needs restoration. 1993 Ford F150 extended cab, 300 6 cylinder, 5 speed manual transmission, 4x4, have pictures. 781-893-5584
2020 Flagstaff hardsided pop-up
camper sleeps up to 4, accessories include: 3-burner stove w/ oven, microwave, fridge & sink, furnace, AC, stereo, outdoor shower, power tongue jack & more, $14,000 or reasonable offer. 701-306-3946
3-20 feet long, 24 in. dia. galvanized culverts, will sell all for $1,800. 701630-5955
750 HONDA Shadow Motorcycle, 3,400 miles, great shape, custom paint job, $3,300. 701-840-0470
Weslo Pursuit G exercise bike, very good condition, $150. 701-630-4836
Octane Fitness-XR6000 seated elliptical exercise machine (stat. byc), like new, $1,000/OBO. 701-318-5004
18’ x 25’ tarp, used 1 season to cover 18’ pontoon, $50. Trek 800 21-speed men's bike, great shape, $125. 20’ tow rope, 1” rope w/hooks, $20. 25’ 3/8 chain w/hooks, $25. 701-320-5257
2017 Jayco Eagle 28.5RSTS 32’ 5th wheel camper, 3 slide outs, auto leveling, rear camera, fireplace, lots of storage, sleeps 4, new tires and packed bearing, clean and in good condition, $22,000. 701-318-2532 or 701-318-2533
Palm Restaurant Iron Skillet, 10 inch. Lipton Tea Pots, one maroon, one mustard and one green. Norwegian Pin. Antique bottles. 701-238-2502
2012 Polaris Ranger 800XP 14" wheels, new tires about 500 miles ago, loaded with lots of extras, new lithium battery. Street legal, $8,000.
701-219-0593
Complete collection of aluminum steam drop-forged plates, Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, MN, 1976-2024, asking $1,250 - set of 50 plates. 701-793-5017
Brother NQ1400E Embroidery machine, like new, carrying case with many accessories, asking $1,300. 701-371-0324
1993 Dodge Dakota pickup, rare, 104.5k miles, good tires, new battery, needs work, $1,600/OBO. 701-7999578
NIB Remington 870 Fieldmaster 12ga 28", $600. 620-687-0185
Barrier wear rain suit, jacket & pants; new, medium/regular, $80/set. 701388-1107
Wanted:
54” mowing deck for a 425 John Deere garden tractor. 701-361-7991
A Haier 1.7 cu ft mini fridge, no longer working, need some inside parts. 701-799-6420
Old electronics: stereo equipment, cameras, video games, etc. Toys, sports cards, comic books, and hunting/fishing gear. 701-541-7852
54” mowing deck for a John Deere 425 garden tractor. 701-361-7991
Free:
Firewood, you load & haul. 701-2822851
9/5 & 9/6 Bohnsack Ranch Bulls, Barrels & Boxing
9/6 Horace Bean Days Parade 9/7 Aronia Berry Festival 9/14 West Fargo Events Carnival at The Lights
9/18 West Fargo Cruise Night
9/20 West Fargo WestFest Parade
9/20 Enderlin Sunfest Parade
9/20 Highway Rollers Car Show, Enderlin
9/19-9/22 Parade of Homes
9/26-9/29 Parade of Homes 9/27 Sheyenne Valley Arts & Crafts Association (SVACA) 9/27 Highway Rollers Car Show, Fort Ransom
9/27 Sheyenne River Valley Hike
9/27 Thrill Hills Ribfest 10/4 Arthur Market 10/10 Lost in the Valley, RRVF 10/15 Member Meeting, Fargo 10/24 Lost in the Valley, RRVF 10/26 Boo-nanzaville Trunk or Treat