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The Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News (Formerly Wisconsin R.E.C. News) has been published monthly and distributed since July 1940 to members of Wisconsin’s non-profit, consumer-owned rural electric cooperatives. It is available to non-members for $13 per year or $35 for three years. Members pay $6.93 per year.
Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200 Rob Richard, president & CEO.
USPS number: 688-480.
Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200.
Periodicals postage paid at Sun Prairie, Wis.
Send correspondence to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102, Middleton, WI 53562-2200. Phone (608) 467-4650.
Website: www.wecnmagazine.com.
Co-op Members: Please send address changes to your local electric co-op. Contact information can be found on page 18.
Rob Richard WECA president & CEO
Dana Kelroy editor
Beth Alesch associate editor
Julie Lund contributing writer
Ann Bailey graphic designer
Geri Miller advertising consultant
Jennifer Taylor editorial assistant
For advertising opportunities please email geri@weca.coop. The appearance of advertising or events does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. We reserve the right to refuse advertisers.
April 2025 Vol. 85 No. 10 Please recycle
The U.N. General Assembly declared 2025 the
Prepare now for lower energy bills this summer.
Rock Falls Raceway offers thrills and family fun.
Kids & Critters
Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.
On the cover: This month, we honor lineworkers and all they do to keep the lights on. Vernon Electric Cooperative Lineman Jason Johnson flexes on the job with an incredible view.
Cover photo courtesy of Jason Berklund, fellow VEC lineman.
SYMBOL SEARCH
HIDDEN OBJECT GAME
Winning our March search was Calvin Burge, a member of Jackson Electric Cooperative. He said, “The tree is on page 14, in the C in landscaping. The symbols are often di cult to nd with our more elderly eyes; sometimes we just can’t nd it. We also have some landscaping to do this spring as we took out a row of trees that need to be replaced so that article was bene cial. Enjoy reading the magazine and about the “locals” in the news and the recipes are great.”
Now, we challenge you to nd this banana to remind you to try some of the banana recipes on page 20 and 21. Remember that the symbol can be anywhere and any size. One randomly selected winner will receive a Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News kitchen kit. One entry per household, please, and provide your permanent home or mailing address with your entry. Entries are due April 12.
Enter via the “Symbol Search” link on the homepage of wecnmagazine.com.
You can also enter by mail (don’t forget to include the name of your cooperative):
SYMBOL SEARCH WECA
6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200
CHANGE OF SEASONS
April has us turning a corner from Wisconsin winter to (hopefully) warmer spring. With that, summer isn’t far behind.
On page 13, we encourage you to prep now for summer energy savings. We o er you a few tips to save energy and money this summer but suggest you take action now before the temperatures start to rise.
On page 24, we have a story on the Rock Falls Raceway near Eau Claire. This drag racing strip has excitement and fun for the whole family. The season starts in April, but visitors can plan their summer (and even fall) outings by referencing the schedule of events on page 25.
Rob Richard celebrates lineworkers on page 8 for all they do to keep the lights on. They brave our Wisconsin winters and summer storms and even o er assistance to other states when the need arises.
Bananas brighten everything up, so don’t miss the banana recipes on page 20.
Finally, regardless of the month or season, 2025 is the year to celebrate cooperatives all year long. The U.N. General Assembly declared this year the International Year of Cooperatives. We look at the member-focused beginnings of this business model and see how cooperatives make a di erence in your life and community. Happy April!
Dana Kelroy Editor
Co-op Leaders Attend PowerXchange in Atlanta
Electric cooperative leaders from 14 Wisconsin electric distribution cooperatives, Dairyland Power Cooperative, and Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association attended the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s PowerXchange conference at the Georgia World Congress Center recently. The annual event is the largest gathering of its kind focused on electric cooperatives and included nationally renowned speakers, educational breakout sessions, networking opportunities to share ideas and strategies, the TechAdvantage Expo, and a business segment, where voting delegates offered direction to the national association by casting ballots on resolutions to guide the organization.
Clark Electric Cooperative’s Jonah Vircks (pictured with Eau Claire Energy Cooperative’s Judith Anibas) was the 2025 Wisconsin state youth representative, and Jude Klar of Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative served as a “blue shirt,” which is a youth mentor position at PowerXchange.
Also at the conference, former Oconto Electric Cooperative President and CEO Tony Anderson delivered a farewell speech as he wraps up his twoyear term as NRECA Board Chair.
The theme of the conference was “Inspired,” and featured speakers included Daymond John, founder of the FUBU clothing brand and an investor on the ABC reality television series Shark Tank, and Erin and Ben Napier of the HGTV show Home Town
NEWS BRIEFS
Trump Administration Moves to Remove Regulations
The Trump Administration has been bold and swift in its effort to downsize government and “unleash American energy,” including a rollback of regulations that would have forced the early closure of all coal plants and some natural gas plants in the nation. At PowerXchange, NRECA President and CEO Jim Matheson said he has met with key Trump Administration officials, including Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin.
On March 12, Zeldin announced the rollback of dozens of rules and regulations, including the power plant rule, in what he called the “most consequential day of deregulation in American history.”
Court Upholds Right of First Refusal Law
After federal rules regulating how major power plant projects are awarded changed in 2011, many states began passing “right of first refusal”(ROFR) laws to ensure incumbent companies get priority, which allows for local control and the ability to earn a return on investment. Key projects also allow for cost sharing, which means costs for large projects are spread out among the Midwest region states.
ROFR laws have faced court challenges in some states, including Indiana. On March 13, the Seventh Circuit Court, which includes Wisconsin in its region, reversed its injunction saying the federal government explicitly allows for state rights of first refusal.
The court said state ROFR laws have passed several “federal checkpoints” and do not violate the Dormant Commerce Clause.
On February 12, the Joint Committee on Energy and Utilities held a four-hour hearing on Wisconsin’s ROFR law, which was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) and State Representative Kevin Petersen (R-Waupaca).
Representatives from Dairyland Power Cooperative and Dunn Energy Cooperative testified, and WECA registered in favor of ROFR at a previous joint hearing.
DPC Presents Voltwrite at TechAdvantage
Dairyland Power Cooperative’s VP and CIO Nate Melby and IT Enterprise Solutions Architect Vladimir Tsoy hosted a breakout session at TechAdvantage, a conference held concurrently with PowerXchange. Melby and Tsoy highlighted the co-op’s innovative development of its internal generative AI tool, VoltWrite, and announced it is now available as a service to all electric cooperatives.
After running a pilot program in 2023, Dairyland launched VoltWrite in 2024 as a secure and robust in-house alternative to external AI platforms, and its use has grown rapidly in number and purpose, which includes advances in cybersecurity.
Barron Electric Receives Emergency Funds
Barron Electric Cooperative has been awarded more than $82,000 from Wisconsin Emergency Management to help with expenses related to an August 2024 storm that knocked out power to 3,200 members.
About 40 utility crews worked 15-hour shifts to restore power after high winds knocked down trees and power lines. The Wisconsin Disaster Fund covers 70% of eligible expenses.
Study: Electricity Demand to Grow 50% by 2050
A study released by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) shows an increase in electricity demand in the U.S. of 2% per year for the next 25 years.
“By the time we get to 2050, that’s 50% growth over where we are today,” NEMA CEO Debra Phillips said at an Axios event. “In large part, data centers over the next decade are going to be the key driver.”
The projection, which Phillips called “modest,” includes a 300% growth in electricity demand from data centers, “and the rest coming from electrification of buildings, industrial systems, and e-mobility.”
“We haven’t seen growth like this in a very long time—for decades—so we need policy solutions,” Phillips said.
CELEBRATING LINEWORKERS / LEGISLATURE SAYS ‘HOLD MY BEER’ ON NUCLEAR
Within the electric cooperative industry, there’s a friendly little debate about when we recognize and honor the contributions that our lineworkers make day in and day out to help make sure you have minimal interruption in the flow of electricity to your homes and businesses.
“Lineman Appreciation Day” is celebrated, and recognized by Congress, on April 18th. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, our national association, recognizes “National Lineman Appreciation Day” on the second Monday of April. Pick a day, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m more than happy to give them the entire month of April!
Snow, ice, flooding, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, whatever the natural disaster, in those moments when Mother Nature throws us a curve ball, our lineworkers are the first ones out to help restore your power. They traverse 4-5 feet of snow to crawl up poles and repair icecovered fallen lines. I’ve seen them hang from helicopters to repair lines on Highway 1 in the Florida Keys. They have unselfishly volunteered to help in the South after hurricanes have left utter devastation. They have traveled to countries like Guatemala to help build lines and other infrastructure for remote villages receiving power for the very first time. Their jobs are difficult and dangerous, …and rewarding.
They are highly skilled and highly trained in what they do. They are respected professionals in their field of work. They are also…the little league coach, the local EMT, the food pantry volunteer, the football referee, and they serve in many other important roles in our rural hometowns. The contributions they make within their communities are felt far and wide.
And don’t be fooled by the nomenclature of “Lineman Appreciation Day.” Between 4-6% of lineworkers in the country are women. We see you, and you are equally appreciated for the work you do. Thank you, lineworkers. We celebrate your dedication, and we appreciate your sacrifices!
Update on Nuclear In last month’s column I wrote about the Wisconsin Legislature introducing a bipartisan, joint resolution in support of the continuation and expansion of nuclear power
and the development of nuclear technologies. This was probably one of the strongest signs of support, from a public policy viewpoint, of nuclear power since they repealed the nuclear moratorium in 2016. It’s reasonable to think that this could be all we’d see from them on the issue this session, but you would be wrong. Simply put, some members of the legislature saw it as a challenge and said, figuratively speaking, “Hold my beer!”
At least two more bills will be introduced in the legislature to amp up support for nuclear power in the state. To help prepare us for our expected future energy demand, the first bill will require the Public Service Commission to conduct a nuclear power siting study within one year of the bill’s passage to “identify nuclear power generation opportunities… identify sites for the development of nuclear fusion and fusion technologies…and develop guidance for advanced nuclear fission and fusion reactors (including small modular reactors).” It will also streamline the state-level approval process for a certificate of public convenience and necessity from 180 days to 150 days.
The second bill will create a State of Wisconsin Nuclear Power Summit Board “to organize, promote, and host a Wisconsin nuclear power summit…to advance nuclear power and fusion energy technology and development and to showcase Wisconsin’s leadership and innovation in the nuclear industry.” In essence, they want to put our state on the map when it comes to the future of nuclear energy in this country.
Wisconsin certainly isn’t alone in this race to capitalize on recent advancements in nuclear technology as other states invest time and resources into similar types of initiatives as well. However, there are a lot of very interesting breakthroughs and research opportunities that are occurring in Wisconsin businesses like Realta Fusion, SHINE Technologies, and Type One Energy, and if you couple that with UW–Madison’s department of nuclear engineering and engineering physics, and the strong manufacturing base we have here at home, the potential is incredibly promising. To our benefit, both sides of the aisle in the legislature are recognizing this and trying to amplify it, and Governor Tony Evers is showing strong signs of being on board as well. We still have a long journey ahead but now might be the time to break out the popcorn and see where this thing goes.
Rob Richard WECA President and CEO
CAULK IT UP FOR ENERGY SAVINGS
One of the easiest and most effective steps you can take to save energy in your home is to seal air leaks. According to energystar.gov, this simple step can provide up to a 10% savings on your annual energy bills. Seal air leaks between stationary objects like windows and doors with caulk. Here are some tips to get you started.
Most caulking compounds come in disposable cartridges that fit in half-barrel caulking guns. Some pressurized cartridges do not require caulking guns. Plan on needing a half-cartridge of caulk per window or door and four cartridges for the foundation sill of an average home. Caulking compounds can also be found in aerosol cans, squeeze tubes, and ropes for small jobs or special applications.
Tips for Applying Caulk
l The best time to apply caulk is during dry weather when the outdoor temperature is above 45°F. The warmer temperatures help ensure the caulk sets properly and adheres to the surfaces.
l For good adhesion, clean all areas to be caulked. Remove any old caulk and paint, using a putty knife, large screwdriver, stiff brush, or special solvent. Make sure the area is dry so you don’t seal in moisture.
l Apply caulk to all joints in a window frame and the joint between the frame and the wall.
l Hold the caulk ing gun at a consistent angle. Fortyfive degrees is best for getting deep into the crack. You know you’ve got the right angle when the caulk is immediately forced into the crack as it comes out of the tube.
Source: energy.gov
l Caulk in one straight continuous stream, if possible. Avoid stops and starts.
l Send caulk to the bottom of an opening to avoid bubbles.
l Make sure the caulk sticks to both sides of a crack or seam.
l Release the trigger before pulling the gun away to avoid applying too much caulking compound. A caulking gun with an automatic release makes this much easier.
l If caulk oozes out of a crack, use a putty knife to push it back in.
l Don’t skimp. If the caulk shrinks, reapply it to form a smooth bead that will seal the crack completely.
COOPERATIVES BUILD A BETTER WORLD FEATURE
It all started with a group of weavers in the late 1700s in Scotland. Struggling to afford basic staples, they recognized there was strength in numbers. They realized that by working together, they could sell better quality goods at a price they could afford. The world’s first recorded cooperative, the Fenwick Weavers’ Society, was born.
In 1844, the cooperative idea went from a good cause to a proven concept in Rochdale, England. As the Industrial Revolution forced skilled workers into poverty, a group of tradesmen, the Rochdale Pioneers, banded together and opened their own store selling food items they could not otherwise afford. Recognizing the structure that made the cooperative work, they penned the first cooperative guiding principles. While the Pioneers’ version has been updated and revised over the past 180 years, the basic concept remains the same: people-centered enterprises whose users own, control, and benefit from the business. Today, the cooperative model is the basis for businesses offering not just agriculture products, but housing, financial services, insurance, retail, healthcare, and, of course, electricity.
Today, there are three million cooperatives worldwide, employing 10% of the world’s working people. The United Nations General Assembly has officially declared 2025 the International Year of Cooperatives with the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World.” And they do.
The innovators who started many of the early co-ops across the globe are the same ones who launched the electric cooperative movement here in Wisconsin—the farmers. When the U.S. economy shifted to industrialism in the late 19th century, farmers quickly realized they had to think outside the box to find a path from poverty to prosperity. Cooperatives allowed them to access the markets and to own and control their operation. By the 1940s, it was the cooperative model that brought electricity to the farms and their communities, building the rural economy.
Co-op Cathy Fast forward to the 1970s, on a dairy farm near Sauk City, just north of Middleton. This is where Cathy Statz first learned the value of the community-centered business model. As a child, she attended the Wisconsin Farmers Union Camp at Kamp Kenwood in Chippewa Falls. This cooperativebased organization teaches kids about community and the cooperative model. She was hooked. She
Cathy Statz
7 Cooperative Principles
Cooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values, adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance. Cooperatives trace the roots of these principles to the first modern cooperative founded in Rochdale, England in 1844. These principles are a key reason that America’s electric cooperatives operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of their members first.
Cooperative Principles
1. Open and Voluntary Membership
Membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances.
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors/trustees) are elected among the membership and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote); cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
3. Members’ Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control as well as their unique identity.
5. Education, Training, and Information
Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
By working together through local, national, regional and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs.
7. Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.
moved up to summer camp intern, camp counselor, and, after college, to camp director.
If there was a “cooperative queen,” Cathy would be it. In 1994, while other college kids were attending fall football games, Cathy spent a semester studying in London, where she made a “pilgrimage” to Rochdale and visited the Rochdale Pioneers co-op store as it marked its 150th year.
After running the co-op camp show for 26 years, she and her husband, Tom, moved to Poland for a year where he taught English. After spending some time in Morocco and the UK, the couple returned to Wisconsin last year and now live in Oshkosh. Cathy has never let up on her passion, though, and now works for many national and international groups furthering cooperative education.
Cathy says co-ops are the core of many rural communities, and she loves to tell unlimited stories of the value-add of the various co-ops across Wisconsin and the world. “It adds context and richness and appreciation and inspiration,” she said. So here we go.
Electric Cooperatives
Since you’re reading this magazine, which the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association produces for Wisconsin electric co-op members, you most likely already know that electric co-ops are not-for-profit, member-owned utilities governed by a board of directors. During the nation’s electrification in the early 1900s, investor-owned utilities were drawn to urban areas to get the most bang for their buck. In the 1930s, about 90% of urban households in the nation had electricity, but only 10% of rural homes did. With the help of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, electric cooperatives were able to get low-interest loans to launch their own cooperatives and run power to rural farms, homes, and businesses.
It’s more expensive to operate an electric utility in rural areas because there is more infrastructure to maintain and fewer people to pay for it, but the cooperative model means there is no
obligation to make a profit for shareholders, and any margins (profits) that are raised are returned to the member-owners. By 1953, thanks to electric coops, 90% of the rural U.S. population had access to electricity, and that has grown to 99% today.
More than half of the country’s land mass is powered by electric cooperatives. There are currently 24 distribution electric cooperatives that serve Wisconsin and one generation and transmission cooperative. About 900 consumer-owned electric co-ops deliver power to 42 million Americans in 48 states, spanning 56% of the nation’s landmass and 42% of U.S. electric distribution lines.
a cost savings of up to 50% compared to average rentals.
Consumer Co-ops Consumer co-ops are businesses owned and controlled by customermembers and operate across various industries, including retail and services. In 1938, around the same time that farmers were organizing co-ops to purchase agricultural supplies, a group of climbers in Seattle created Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI Co-op) to supply themselves with highquality ice axes from Europe. Today, REI Co-op has more than 24 million members and retail locations nationwide, including in Wisconsin.
Employee-Owned Co-ops Worker
Agriculture Co-ops As farmers were so integral in launching the cooperative movement, this is a natural fit. Agriculture co-ops help producers market products and source supplies and services more affordably, keeping jobs and other economic benefits in rural communities.
In Wisconsin, cheese co-ops are a common type of agriculture co-op. Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is headquartered in Ellsworth which holds the title of Cheese Curd Capital of the World. Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery’s success is built on the synergy of more than 200 family farms that make 180,000 pounds of fresh curds daily.
Organic Valley is an international brand based in the Coulee Region of Wisconsin that was first launched in 1988 by a group of Midwest farmers who joined together to create organic dairy products at a time when many family farms were being forced out.
cooperatives are businesses owned and controlled by their employees, with profit distribution based on a combination of job position, hours worked, seniority, and salary. They can be formed outright as co-ops, like Union Cab in Madison, or by transition—as was the case for Cooperative Veterinary Co-op in Mazomanie/Spring Green—when small business owners sell a company to their employees.
Credit Unions Credit unions are known for championing working-class households and small businesses. They typically serve a specific employee group or a geographic area. Dairyland Power Credit Union serves Dairyland Power Cooperative and Jump River Electric Cooperative members, for example, while 1st Community Credit Union serves a membership area in Sparta, West Salem, and Tomah. Credit unions can often offer lower rates on loans than investor-owned banks, and like other co-ops, most are community-minded in how they do business, with members as their priority. Credit union consumers also have access to a network of 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs, more than any other bank.
Cathy says the benefits of all of the various cooperatives are exponential, especially for rural communities.
Housing
Co-ops Housing co-ops offer member-residents access to affordable housing, typically in a multi-unit building with shared equity. There are 190,000 such units in the U.S. today. Often built to assist under-served communities, housing co-ops are also beneficial for college students. More than 20 universities offer student housing co-ops at
“You’ve got money staying in the local community because it’s not being siphoned off to external shareholders, the people that own the co-ops are right there in that community, and there are ancillary benefits—the jobs the co-op brings to that community, the charitable giving, community donations and local involvement, including the civic life component in which co-op members feel comfortable serving on the co-op board, and often their community service grows to other areas from there.”
Cooperatives really do build a better world.—Julie Lund
Using a fan can make a warmer room more comfortable without adjusting the thermostat. Remember, fans cool people (and pets), not rooms. Turn fans o in unoccupied rooms. Cooking outdoors lets you avoid using your stove and oven, which heats up your home and leads to higher energy use. When preparing for a day out for play or work, raise your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees to reduce energy use and save on your power bill.
PREP NOW FOR SUMMER SAVINGS
Q: How can I prepare my home for lower energy bills this summer?
A: Spring is in the air, and before you know it, summer will be here. There are many ways to get a jump-start on preventing summertime high bills and energy waste.
Add your cooling equipment to the spring-cleaning checklist. An annual tune-up by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professional should include refrigerant charge, airflow adjustment, and condenser and evaporator fan coil
cleaning. This helps maximize your system’s efficiency and the lifespan of your equipment, reducing wasted energy and costs.
Some HVAC companies offer discounts for cleaning equipment during the months when they are less busy. Once high temperatures hit, they are more likely to be swamped with calls to repair or replace broken equipment. Signing up for an annual maintenance plan may provide additional savings.
A dirty furnace filter can waste energy by causing your system to work harder. Make sure you have a stack of replacement filters ready to
go so you are more likely to replace them as needed. Filters tend to be less expensive if you buy them in bulk. When I recently shopped for filters for my home, the per-filter price was about half as much for a 12-pack as it was for a two-pack.
Ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-splits, have a filter in the indoor unit, or head, which should be cleaned. If you clean the indoor filter yourself, be sure to turn the unit off before removing the filter and let it dry completely before putting it back.
As we transition from cool to warm weather, keep an eye on your
thermostat settings. The Department of Energy recommends setting cooling temperatures to 78 degrees when you are home and higher when you are away. You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day.
One way to feel cooler is using fans in the room you’re in during the day or when you’re sleeping. Using a fan can make a warm room feel cooler without having to adjust the thermostat. Remember: fans cool people, not rooms. Turn fans off in unoccupied rooms.
If your ceiling fan has a reverse function, make sure you flip the switch so it blows air down into the living space. The reverse function is great at circulating warm air in the winter, and you can maximize the comfort benefit of a fan by switching the flow of air seasonally.
Another consideration before summer hits is your home’s impact on peak load—when demand for electricity is highest. This typically occurs in the morning when people are getting ready for work and school, and in the evening when they return home. Your electric cooperative must manage the energy use of all its consumers, which can be a challenge. Consider starting the dishwasher before you go to sleep or starting a load of laundry outside of your utility’s peak times.
If you have a photovoltaic solar system, run your dishwasher or do laundry when your system produces the most electricity, which is typically during the sunny mid-day.
Cooking outdoors in summer is a great way to save energy. Using the stove or oven heats your kitchen, which requires more energy for cooling. Get the grill cleaned now so that you are ready to enjoy outdoor cooking.
Incorporate these tips into your summer prep to save energy and lower your bills.
Miranda Boutelle writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric co-ops.
POWERING LIFE’S BEST MOMENTS
It’s good to know your Touchstone Energy® cooperative is always there so you can keep doing all the things that are important to you. Our commitment is to give you the energy you need to enjoy life’s moments.
Go Bananas!
6 oz cream cheese, softened 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup honey, plus more for serving 1/3 cup peanut butter chips
In medium bowl, mix honey, peanut butter chips, cream cheese, and vanilla together until well blended. Divide cream cheese lling evenly among the 4 tortillas and spread. Sprinkle with peanuts and roll up. Place each wrap seam side down on a serving plate. Drizzle each wrap with honey and sprinkle with extra peanuts. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.
RECIPES
Honey-Coconut Granola Bars
Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board at www.honey.com.
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
1 Tbsp oat flour
1/2 cup flaxseed, ground
1/4 cup pecans, halved
1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
1/3 cup honey
1/4 tsp vanilla
3 Tbsp mashed banana
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut, oat flour, flaxseed, all pecans, and salt. Stir until well combined. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, add coconut oil and honey. Microwave for 20 seconds, stirring after 10 seconds, until melted and thin. Stir in vanilla and mashed banana. Pour coconut oil mixture into dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. Stir in the chocolate chips. Line an 8-x 8-inch dish with parchment paper. Scoop dough into the dish and firmly press. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before cutting. Cut into 10–12 bars. Wrap individually in parchment paper and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
3 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
4-1/2 tsp cinnamon
1-1/4 cups milk
2 eggs
Strawberry Banana Muffin
Recipe courtesy of the Home Baking Association.
Strawberry Banana Muffins are a delightful blend of sweet, ripe bananas and juicy, fresh strawberries, creating a soft and moist treat bursting with fruity flavor. Perfect for using up overripe bananas, they bring a taste of summer to every season!
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
3 medium-sized bananas, mashed 1/2 cup diced fresh or frozen strawberries
Preheat oven to 375 degrees; lightly spray baking spray or line 24 muffin tins, set aside. In a large bowl, combine and mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl combine milk, eggs, and melted butter until well blended. Gently fold liquid mixture into the flour mixture, stir until incorporated; do not overmix! Fold in bananas and strawberries; gently mix until combined. Spoon batter into muffin cups. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove muffins from tins to a cooling rack and allow to cool. Makes 24 servings.
Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Rice Pudding
Recipe courtesy of USA Rice.
3 cups cooked medium-grain rice
2 cups milk
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 medium bananas, sliced into rounds
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Combine cooked rice, milk, and sweetened condensed milk in a 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy, approx. 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Alternate layers of bananas, chocolate chips, pecans, and rice pudding in parfait glasses. Garnish with extra chocolate chips and pecans. Makes 4 servings.
READER RECIPES
CHEESY CHICKEN AND RICE CASSEROLE
Submit your favorite recipes to be featured on our reader recipe page. Email to jennifer@weca.coop or submit directly at http://wecnmagazine.com/submit-a-recipe/.
RECIPE COURTESY OF ALISON MEYER, ELK MOUND
REQUESTS FROM OUR READERS
An online reader is looking for recipes using chives.
SEND TO: WECN, Reader Recipes, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200 or jennifer@weca.coop
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1-1/3 cups water
3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 cups of fresh or frozen vegetables of your choice
1/2 tsp onion powder
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves Salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
In a bowl, stir the soup, water, rice, vegetables, and onion powder; pour into a 12-x 8-inch shallow baking dish. Top with chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper; cover with foil. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until done. Top with the cheese and return to oven to melt.
CHICKEN HOT DISH
RECIPE COURTESY OF CHRISTINE MEINHEIT, TOMAHAWK
This is so easy and delicious, perfect for bachelors!
1-1/2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-size pieces
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup or creamed soup flavor of your choice
1/3 cup sour cream
1 (16 oz) bag frozen vegetables of your choice, thawed
1 (6 oz) pkg prepared stuffing mix
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix chicken, soup, sour cream, and vegetables. Spread into a 13-× 9-inch pan and top with stuffing. Bake for 30 minutes.
FISH-N-TOTS
RECIPE COURTESY OF DONNA MASAR, GREEN BAY
This casserole recipe was passed onto me from my Aunt Doris, who always made the most delicious dishes. She knew we loved to fish and had an ample supply of bluegills and crappies in our freezer.
It’s one of our favorite alternatives to fried fish.
1-1/2 to 2 lbs fish filets of choice, preferably a thinner type of fish filet 1 (16 oz) pkg frozen tater tots (or crinkle cut French fries) 1 (10 oz) can of cream of celery soup
1/4 cup mayonnaise 2/3 cup milk
Salt and pepper, as desired
1 tsp curry powder
Parsley for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom and sides of a 9-x 13inch pan. Arrange fish filets into a single layer on bottom (can be pushed tightly together, as fish pieces will shrink). Place tots or fries on top of fish. Combine soup, mayonnaise, milk, salt, pepper, and curry powder; pour over fish and tots. Bake uncovered for approx. 45–60 minutes or until it looks bubbly. Garnish with parsley. Serves 8
PLEASE NOTE: Recipes submitted must include quantities for all ingredients. If no measurements are used, your recipe will not be printed. Due to food safety issues, we cannot accept canning recipes.
CHICKEN DIVAN WITH CURRY
RECIPE COURTESY OF CHRISTINE ZIETLOW, LAVALLE
2 (10 oz) pkgs frozen broccoli (spears or florets)
3 cups cooked chicken breast, cut into bitesized pieces
2 (10.5 oz) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 to 1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup panko crumbs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
2 tsp melted butter
Cook or steam broccoli for 3 minutes or until tender. Arrange in single layer on bottom of a 9-x 13-inch casserole pan, placing chicken pieces on top of broccoli. In a bowl, combine soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder. Pour mixture over chicken and broccoli. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. In a separate bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle over cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until bubbling hot. NOTE: May substitute turkey for chicken. Freezes well. Serves 6–8.
HAM AND BEAN SOUP
2 medium-sized carrots, sliced or chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped 1/4 cup chopped onion
2 Tbsp butter
4 (15 oz each) cans great northern beans
32 oz chicken broth
1 garlic clove
1 bay leaf
1 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cups cubed, fully-cooked ham
In a stock pot, sauté carrots, celery, and onions in butter until tender; stir in remaining ingredients. Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes or until heated through. Makes 6 servings. NOTE: Smashing beans with a potato masher adds a nice thickness to the soup.
PAST RECIPES CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE AT WECNMAGAZINE.COM/RECIPES. CLICK “SEARCH RECIPE ARCHIVES.”
Rock Falls RACEWAY
DRAG RACING OFFERS THRILLS AND FAMILY FUN
Travis Hilton’s obsession with drag racing has been lifelong and has taken him all over the country. He grew up in a drag racing family. Born in San Diego, he moved to Washington when he was eight. His family raced at a track in Oregon, which he later managed. Then he managed tracks in Missouri and Kansas, and finally, in November 2023, he landed the manager position at Rock Falls Raceway on Eau Claire Energy Cooperative’s lines. Hilton says that, unlike dirt track, road course, or NASCAR, drag racing is an avenue of motorsports where anybody can participate.
“Right now, I’m driving a Chevy Equinox down the highway. This Chevy Equinox can go down the drag strip and be just as competitive as somebody who has a fully built race car,” said Hilton. “That’s a great thing about drag racing as a whole. Anybody can participate at a financial level that’s comfortable for them. You don’t have to go out there and spend thousands or tens of thousands of dollars to have a racecar specifically for the drag strip. You could have just a street car to be just as competitive.”
“Rock Falls Raceway provides an outlet for people, as most of us do, who have that need for speed and the desire to go fast when the stoplight goes from red to green. We provide a place to do that that is safe,” said Hilton.
Founded in 1969, Rock Falls Raceway attracted about 20,000 attendees last year, and Hilton expects around 32,000 in 2025. Depending on the event, tickets range from $10 to $25. Hilton puts heavy emphasis on safety. All events have a safety truck with fire suppressant and extrication equipment and two EMTlevel operators in an ambulance.
“It allows us to have a safe environment for people to go fast and not worry about getting a ticket,” said Hilton.
Unlike other racing that involves an oval track, drag racing consists of two vehicles driving a straight strip for a quarter of a mile.
“Drag racing is different from other forms of motorsports, where I kind of tongue-in-cheek say, we accomplish something. We go from point A to point B, whereas the majority of other motorsports go from point A back around to point A again,” joked Hilton.
Any Vehicle Racing season kicks off in April with the first of the O’Reilly Auto Parts TnT (Test and Tune) races on April 27. The TnT race series consists of 20 dates through the summer and into October. When asked what race he’d recommend to a first-time attendee of Rock Falls Raceway, Hilton says this series is a great place to start.
“TnT races are a great opportunity for anybody to bring any type of vehicle, but the general rule of thumb for drag racing is if they can go down the highway safely, it can go down the drag strip safely,” said Hilton.
Dragging for Charity
Other highlight events throughout the season include the CTech Manufacturing Badger Classic, which will be held this year from June 27 to 29. All proceeds from that weekend go to Joshua’s Camp. This Eau Claire-area charity helps families with children facing childhood cancer. Over the past three seasons, Rock Falls Raceway has raised more than $100,000 for the charity.
See the Pros Another popular race is the NHRA Double National Open, to be held August 22-24 this year. That weekend’s Friday and Saturday events showcase professional touring drag racers who come to Rock Falls to drive their fully built race cars. Hilton says they travel the quarter mile from a standing start in 6.4 seconds at over 200 mph.
Vintage Vehicles Also a highlight of the season is the 10th Annual Fallout Drags, which will be held September 19-20 this year. This is a vintage drag event, and cars must be made in 1965 or before to compete. Hilton said they preregister for this event, and the 200 spots sold out this year in just less than 36 hours. In addition to the drag racing, the weekend will include a swap meet, a car show, and a burnout contest.
“The burnout contest is where drivers will come up with their racecars and see who can make the biggest, loudest, smokiest, most obnoxious burnout possible and win cash prizes for whoever had the best burnout,” said Hilton. “A lot of it is kind of ego-driven. If you’re the second guy out, you see the first guy do a bigger burnout than you planned on doing, then you think, ‘I’m not gonna lose to that guy.’ So, you go even harder. Then the third guy, and the fourth guy, and the fifth guy… it gets pretty exciting.”
The Rock Falls Experience Hilton stressed that Rock Falls Raceway is a family-friendly venue and said that, like his own experience, drag racing is often a generational and family-based hobby. Aside from viewing the excitement on the strip, attendees can walk around and are welcome in the pits and even chat with drivers. Hilton said folks shouldn’t feel like they must sit in one spot but walk around for the full experience.
On-site camping is available at all events in a secure area for participants and spectators. There is a full line of concessions and beverages on-site, but folks are also welcome to bring in their own food and drinks. Hilton also says not to forget ear protection, “It gets a little loud.”
Start ‘em Young Children as young as 5 years old compete at Rock Falls Raceway. In the Junior Dragster category, kids can drive a half-scale dragster, which is about half the length of a traditional 25-foot-long regular dragster. The youngest racers start at about 30 mph, but by the time racers are 13 years old, they are going as fast as 85 mph. Youths 13-16 can compete in the Junior Street program, driving a full-size, street-legal vehicle with an adult in the passenger seat.
“The great thing about drag racing is that a lot of it comes from second- and third-generation families, and even now, to this point, fourth-generation families have been racing and carrying on that tradition with their children,” said Hilton. “I obviously grew up at a drag strip for my entire life, but the great thing about drag racing is it’s a very clean and family friendly environment.”
And kids can learn life lessons at the track.
“Drag racers are notorious for if somebody has a broken car part, and for some reason is struggling to be able to race, every single one of their opponents will leap in to try and fix their vehicle or provide spare parts so that that person can be able to race,” said Hilton.
“I’ve been racing my entire life. Any day at the drag strip is a better day than at an actual job. I mean, I get paid to play with Hot Wheels all day. I can’t really complain about anything,” said Hilton
“A lot of folks have a preconceived notion that drag racing is a man’s sport. I can tell you that at Rock Falls specifically, we’re probably about 40% female racers and 60% male racers. There is a predominant amount of ladies who race and compete and win. Of our nine season champions last year, four of them were female,” said Hilton. “This is not a boys’ club kind of sport. Anybody of any age, gender, color, or creed can participate in and find success. You don’t have to be a professional athlete. You don’t have to be in shape. You don’t have to be any of those things. You just need to be consistent and competitive, and that allows anybody to be able to compete at a drag strip.”—Dana Kelroy, photos courtesy of RFR. Rock Falls Raceway is located at N1790 1000th Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701. 715-875-4233. Find and follow their social media channels at their website at www.rockfallsraceway.com.
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*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
Rating of A+ California residents, please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
WANTED: PAYING CASH FOR WWII FLAGS, DAGGERS, SWORDS, GUNS, ETC. Also buying guns and collections. 715-340-1974.
WANTED: DEER TAGS, BACK TAGS. Trapping, bear, hunting licenses. Otter, fisher, bobcat tags, party permits, old traps. 715-2559284 David Schober, W4234 Rock Creek Rd., Loyal, WI 54446.
CHAINSAWS WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE. Buying 1 or 100 McCulloch, Pioneer, Jonsereds, Echo, STIHL, Homelite, Remington, Mall. Buying all brands and sizes. Non-running, running, siezed, parts. Let me know what you have - will travel. Call Chainsaw Mike at 715-828-9414.
AKC REGISTERED English Springer Spaniel Puppies. Please call or text for more information. 715-577-8155. Holcombe, Wisconsin.
2019 COACHMAN CATALINA LEGACY, model 263HSCK. 30 ft with one slide. Great condition. Two bunks and a queen master, replace, and air conditioner. ($22K) Contact 920-604-0345. Rueben. Oconto, WI 54153.
CHIPPEWA VALLEY BEE EXPO. April 12, 2025. Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Honeybees, pollinators seminars, cooking with honey, youth programs, education, and awareness expo. See us on FB on Chippewa Valley Bee Expo.
THROW YOUR HOME MOVIES IN THE TRASH! Or pro transfer 8mm, VHS, slides, audio, and all formats to DVD or ash drive. Gene DVD Productions 715-827-2302.
WANTED: COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR VINTAGE SPORTS CARDS 1986 or older. 608-343-3503.
MAILBOX DOOR NOT STAYING CLOSED? Strong add-on magnet. No tools required. Rural style mailboxes. www.MAILNUT.com. 715-967-2448.
WANTED: BEAR TRAPS, large odd traps, and lever-action ri es. Traps for sale: beaver, coyote, and Newhouse traps. 715-563-6658.
FOR SALE: CUSTOM WOOD LATHE, turns up to 26” diameter and 15.5’ long. Green Bay area. Call or text 608-449-9452.
WANTED: CHEVY/GMC PICKUP TRUCK. 2500 HD Double Cab (not crew cab). 8-foot box, under 125,000 miles. Home 715-835-1305 / Cell 715-577-7249.
TWO GRAVITY-FLOW FUEL TANKS WITH STANDS. 300 gallons each. $800 for the pair. Call 608-427-3433 or text 608-462-3883.
7X8 NEWMAN TRAILER. Aluminum open grid. Two-place ATV side-by-side. Light signals, side loading. Great condition. $1,400. Text 608-462-3883.
Plants & Shrubs
HARDWOOD AND CONIFER SEEDLINGS AND TRANSPLANTS. Thousands available, Oaks, Maples, Hybrid Poplar, Hickory, Milkweed, Aspen, Dogwoods, Elderberry, Cranberry, Balsam, Fraser Fir, Spruce, Pine, Cedar, fall food plot and grafted apple trees too, large bareroot shade trees including Autumn Blaze. Check us out on the web at www. paintcreeknursery.com, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube also. Paint Creek Nursery, Cadott, WI. 715-723-2072.
MAY THE FOREST BE WITH YOU! All species will be bareroot. We have Evergreens, Deciduous, Flowering shrubs, Crabapples, Apples, Pears, Peaches, Apricots, Cherries, Plums, Currents, Gooseberries, Honeyberries, Blueberries, Grapes, Raspberries, Strawberries, Asparagus, Lilacs, Shade Trees, Products for planting and plant protection. Woodstock Nursery Garden & Landscape, W6291 State Hwy 95, Neillsville, WI 54456. 888-803-8733. Website: www.wallace-woodstock.com. Email: tanya@wallace-woodstock.com
MCKAY NURSERY COMPANY - WISCONSIN
GROWN SINCE 1897. Provider of quality shade & ornamental trees, fruit & owering trees, evergreens, shrubs, perennials, ground cover, and vines. Design services & delivery available. Contact Eric at ezlandscapewi@ gmail.com or call 608-387-4287. “Your McKay Independent Sales & Service Provider.”
Classi ed ads reach more than 152,000 mailboxes. RATES: For non-members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $25 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $1.25 each. For members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $14 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $.70 each. Count name, address, and phone number as part of ad. Please include zip code. FOR PROOF OF MEMBERSHIP, please include your address label from your copy of the magazine. FREQUENCY DISCOUNTS: 2% discount for 3 months; 5% for 6 months; 10% for 12 months. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the ad is to appear. All classi ed ads must be paid in advance. There is no agency discount on classi eds. Make check or money order payable to: WECA. Mail to: WECN— Classi eds, Attn. Jennifer, 6405 Century Ave., Ste. 102, Middleton, WI 53562. Ph: 608-467-4638. Email jennifer@weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads.
HELP KEEP THE CREWS SAFE
You’ll find your electric cooperative’s line crews hard at work on any day of the week, any time of the day, and in any kind of weather. Help show your appreciation for them by doing your part to keep them safe on the job.
l Do not stop at a job site to ask a lineworker questions. Crew members need to give the repairs their full attention to help ensure safety.
l When driving by utility trucks (or any roadside vehicles with flashing lights), move over and give them space.
l In a work zone, follow all signage, including speed limits.
l If a lineworker is in your yard or on an easement to address service issues, be sure to secure your dogs.
l Don’t post signs or other objects on utility poles. Foreign objects can tear a lineworker’s protective clothing, the first line of protection from an electric shock.
Source: Safeelectricity.com
Photo by Katie Jagiello, Oconto Electric Cooperative
WISCONSIN EVENTS April 2025
4 Fish Fry Dinner—Jim Falls. Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 4:30–6:30 p.m. Cost is $14 adults; $6 for kids 4–12; and free for kids 3 and under. Dine-in or carry-out.
4, 11 Fish Fry—New Lisbon. St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 5–7 p.m. Adults (13 and up) $13; students (5–12) $6; and preschoolers are free. Carryouts available, call after 3 p.m. 608-562-3125.
5 Toy Show and Consignment Auction—Tomah. Fairgrounds Recreation Building, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Table set-up: 7–9 a.m., $12 per table; floor rights during set-up: $5. Consignments taken to sale time, auction starts at 4:30 p.m., 15% commission, 15% buy-back. Admission: adults are $3; ages 13–17 are $1; and 12 and under are free. Lunch and door prizes available. For more info, call 608-344-0150.
5 Danish Festival—Suring. Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. For more info, call 920-842-2039.
5–30 Bloomin’ Greenhouse Tour—Clark County. Various locations, all-day. Begins in April and runs through the Fall and into the holiday season. Visit and shop Clark County’s many greenhouses and garden centers for annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, grasses, trees, fairy garden supplies, garden art, home décor, and much more. For more info, call 715-255-9100.
6 Chicken Que & Bake Sale—Chaseburg. Tippy Toe Inn, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. or until all chicken is gone. Featuring “Best Ever Chicken.” Drive-through or eat-in event. Homemade pastries and baked goods. All are welcome.
6 Class of ’68 Bene t Dance—Richland Center. Phoenix Center, 1–5 p.m. Music by Monty Berger & Country Goldband. Raffles, bake sale, and food available. $10 donation per person. For more info, call 608-604-9462.
9 Blood Drive—Iola. Iola-Scandinavia Aquatic & Fitness Center, 12–5 p.m. Donors urgently needed. Call 1-800-REDCROSS to pre-register.
11, 12 Spring Fling Craft & Bake Sale—New Lisbon. Winding Rivers United Methodist Church, Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Lunch available 10 a.m.–2 p.m. For more info, call 608-562-3487.
11–13 Working Equitation Challenge at the Midwest Horse Fair—Madison. Alliant Energy Center and Coliseum, all day. Competition spotlights the skills of working equitation competitors as well as professional equestrians trying out the sport for the first time. $3,500 cash payout. Awards on Sun. at 2:30 p.m.
12 Maple Fest—Cornell. Camp Nawakwa, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Learn the art of maple syrup collecting. Fun stations with activities, pancakes, and sausage with real maple syrup.
12 Salad Luncheon & Hat Bash—Galesville. The Arnold House at East Side Farm, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Wear your favorite or most outrageous hat. Scratch-made salads, vintage hat display, trivia, prize for best hat, $15/person.
12, 13 Quilt Show—Medford. Simek Recreation Center, Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Admission is free, donations are accepted. Email medfordquilts@gmail.com for more info.
13 FFA and Alumni Pancake Breakfast & Silent Auction—Chippewa Falls. Columbus Association Hall, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Gluten free available. Silent auction and raffles. Adults $10; children 5–13 are $4; and under 5 eat free.
13 Church Breakfast—Phillips. St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Adults $10/plate; $5/plate for ages 6–12 years; and free for ages 5 and under. Basket and quilt raffles, meat basket raffles. For more info, 715-339-2222.
25 Rummage Sale—Willard. Holy Family Catholic Church Shelter, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. For more info, call 715-267-7524.
25, 26 “Spring Into the Arts” Tour—Clark County area. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Tour features painters, potters, woodworkers, metal workers, jewelers, weavers, glass workers, mixed media, and much more. Music and food throughout the tour. For more info, call 715-255-9100.
25, 26 The Mane Quilt Show—Nekoosa. High School Field House, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Judged quilt show, youth categories, featured quilt artist, vendors, classes, demos, trunk show, basket raffle, raffle quilt, door prizes. Quilt and vendor entries accepted until April 1. Admission is free will donation. 715-459-2551.
26 Maple Fest—Medford. Simek Recreation Center, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Pancake breakfast, 7–11 a.m. Craft show, pure maple syrup judging, kids’ activities, bike giveaway, vision screening. Free admission. For more info, 715-302-1462.
26 Karve In 9—Westby. High School, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Award-winning woodcarvers demonstrate, sell, and share their art and offer tips on getting started. Free admission. For more info, call 608-769-8498.
26 Polka Fest—Gilman. Jump River Community Center, 12–8 p.m. Featuring the Cynor Classics and Polka Pac. Food and refreshments available. 715-452-5369.
27 Pancake Breakfast—Eau Claire. Altoona Emergency Services, 7 a.m.–1 p.m. Silent auction and bike raffle. Chase & Marshal from ‘Paw Patrol’ and tours of fire trucks available. An autographed Green Bay Packer football to be auctioned. Admission is a free will donation. For more info, call 715-577-1100.
27 Pancake Breakfast—Tigerton/Shawano. Tigerton Community Center, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Buttermilk and potato pancakes, syrup, sausage, scrambled eggs, desserts, and beverages. Carryouts available. Basket raffles. For more info, call 715535-2964.
Upload events directly to the wecnmagazine.com through the “Events” tab.
Wisconsin Events is a public service for our readers. Due to space limits, we may need to eliminate details, so be sure to include a phone number (with area code) where callers may obtain more info. If we receive more listings than space allows us to print, we reserve the right to select those we believe will be of interest to the greatest number of readers. Please no virtual events. Events can also be mailed to: WECN, Events, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102, Middleton, WI 53562-2200. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the event is to appear.
Upload events to wecnmagazine.com
1. Jerry takes his great-grandchildren Waylon, Ellis, and Lenora for a ride. Photo submitted by Marlene Holtz, a member of Taylor Electric.
2. Ashton and Auden show some bunny love. Photo submitted by Grandpa Daniel DeLasky, a member of Price Electric.
3. Miah is all smiles caring for pigs. Photo submitted by Steve Muldoon, a member of Scenic Rivers Energy.
Send photos of kids with animals, along with a brief description, to WECN Magazine, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102, Middleton, WI 53562-2200. Please include the name of your electric co-op. Photos will be returned. If in good-resolution, electronic format, photos may also be uploaded via wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab. By submitting, sender implies that he/she has rights to and owns the image, and grants WECN permission to use the image. By submitting, the parent or legal guardian also authorizes us the right to publish the image.
SPRING EFFICIENCY WORD SEARCH
Did you know there are several ways to save energy during spring months?
Read the energy-saving tips below to learn more, then find the bolded words in the puzzle below.
• Use LED lights around your home. LEDs use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs.
• Plant shade trees around your home to block unwanted heat from the sun.
• Unplug devices and electronics that consume energy when they’re not in use, like phone chargers.
• Seal air leaks around exterior doors and windows to save energy and keep your home comfortable.
• Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. To save energy, turn them o when you leave the room.
