Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News August 2025

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Your body’s temperature is regulated by water.

The Earth’s temperature is regulated by water.

Shouldn’t your home’s temperature be regulated by water?

The comfort of radiant meets the e ciency of geothermal

Geothermal heat pumps circulate water underground to provide the ultimate in energy-e cient heating and air conditioning. Radiant systems circulate water throughout your floors to provide the ultimate in luxurious comfort. WaterFurnace’s 5 Series OptiHeat unit is simply the easiest way to combine the two worlds. You’ll love your warm, toasty floors—and you’ll adore your utility bill. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn more.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

Arcadia/Mondovi Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Ashland/Iron River Brown Plmbg & HVAC (715) 682-0444

Beaver Dam/Green Lake Air Care, Inc. (920) 356-8860

Black River Falls/ Stevens Point Northern Indoor Comfort (715) 937-2676

Cashton/Sparta Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 269-1500

Chaseburg/Viroqua Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 269-1500

Clintonville/Oshkosh Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051

Cornell/New Auburn Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Dodgeville/Baraboo Modern Htg & Clg (608) 767-2689

Eau Claire/Osseo Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Escanaba/Iron Mountain GPS Htg & Clg (715) 732-2111

Green Bay/Oneida Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051

Hudson/Stillwater Geothermal Concept (612) 481-4020

Hurley/Park Falls QS Plmbing & Mechanical (715) 685-4330

Madison/Black Earth Modern Htg & Clg (608) 767-2689

Marinette/Peshtigo GPS Htg & Clg (715) 732-2111

Marengo/Ashland QS Plmbing & Mechanical (715) 685-4330

Menomonie/Bloomer Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Neillsville/Medford Northern Indoor Comfort (715) 937-2676

New Lisbon/Shamrock Deans Refrig. & Heating (608) 372-6928

Oconto/Rhinelander Van’s Refridgeration (920) 833-2051

Osceola/New Richmond Sustainable Htg & Clg (651) 462-1300

Princeton/Waupun All Phase Geothermal (920) 763-2301

Redwing/Wabasha Earth Energy Htg & Clg (507) 421-3156

Richland Center/Viroqua Strang’s Htg Electric Plmb (608) 647-2855

Sturgeon Bay/Denmark Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051

Tomah/Oakdale Dean’s Refrig. & Heating (608) 372-6928

Wausau/Rhinelander Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051

Westby/La Crosse Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 654-5522

Winona/Pepin Earth Energy Htg & Clg (507) 421-3156

Wisconsin Rapids/ Marshfield Northern Indoor Comfort (715) 937-2676

2025 Vol. 86 No. 2

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-pro t, 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.

Consider

Rock River Thresheree preserves agricultural and industrial history.

Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.

On the cover: Brianne Massman, pictured on her family farm with her son, is the founder of #WillPProject, a grassroots e ort aimed at raising awareness of issues related to mental health and suicide, in memory of her brother, Will.

SYMBOL SEARCH

HIDDEN OBJECT GAME

Winning our July search was Jo Cernohous, a member of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services: “Image is on Page 22 at the upper left-hand corner of the refrigerator cucumber pickles recipe. Love the magazine! I read it cover to cover when I get it!”

Now, we challenge you to nd this popsicle to remind you to check out the freezer e ciency tips on page 14. 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 August 11.

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

WON MY TOES

orking on a monthly magazine devoted to rural Wisconsin, energy e ciency, and the cooperative way of doing business sure does keep me on my toes. And I appreciate the readers who keep me sharp.

We received a letter from a reader that said: “I always enjoy your Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News! In the April 2025 edition, pages 13-14, ‘Prep Now For Summer Savings,’ there were a lot of good tips on energy saving, however, I noticed one big overlooked area—the use of blinds.

I have found this to be an overlooked area for the public for years. As a former HVAC tech, I can tell you I’ve been to homes where they thought the AC was not working, when in fact the AC could not overcome the power of the sun coming in from a large bank of windows…I use my blinds to keep heat in on winter nights and heat out on summer days.”

Well said!

More recently, in the July magazine, I had a handful of observant readers spot my mistake on page 24. There was a picture of a park ranger at Interstate Park in the article celebrating Wisconsin State Parks marking their 125th anniversary. However, when I grabbed a photo from my park visit for use in that story, I accidentally grabbed one from the Minnesota side of the river. Readers spotted the state of Minnesota on the ranger’s arm patch. Oops.

I shared the reader correspondence with one of my colleagues, and she responded, “Well, what do you expect? You’ve trained readers to comb through every inch of the magazine with the Symbol Search contest. Of course they’ll catch those things!”

We work hard each month to provide you with a useful, relevant magazine that ful lls our mission of keeping members informed. We occasionally miss the mark slightly, and I appreciate those faithful readers who keep me on my toes.

NEWS BRIEFS

Governor Evers Signs Pro Nuclear Legislation

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed a pair of bipartisan bills aimed at bolstering nuclear power in Wisconsin. One bill calls for a $2 million study to identify locations for a nuclear fusion power plant in the state. The other creates a new board to advance nuclear power and fusion technology and host a summit in 2028.

“We must continue our efforts to help lower energy costs and improve energy independence by reducing our reliance on out-of-state energy sources, and these bills are an important step in the right direction,” Evers said in a statement.

Lawmakers also approved a bipartisan joint resolution showing support for expanding nuclear power.

Congressional Boundaries Intact for Midterms

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has declined to hear a case brought by Democrats seeking to redraw congressional district boundaries before the 2026 midterm elections.

Republicans currently hold six of the state’s eight U.S. House seats. Democrats hoped redrawing the maps would give them a better chance at winning two of them—the 3rd Congressional District seat currently held by Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-Prairie du Chien) and the 1st District held by Representative Bryan Steil (R-Janesville).

This is the second year in a row the state Supreme Court has rejected a request to reconsider the congressional maps.

Federal Court Orders Release of Charging Funds

A federal judge has ordered the Trump Administration to resume distributing money to 14 states, including Wisconsin, to build electric vehicle (EV) chargers under the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle

Infrastructure (NEVI) program. Wisconsin was awarded $78 million to install 53 charging stations along major corridors, but the Trump Administration froze the funding in February, pending a revamp of the program.

Judge Tana Lin of the Western District of Washington issued a preliminary injunction, ordering the funds be released. Wisconsin’s first three chargers funded under the NEVI program came online in January.

Heat Prompts MISO to Declare Max Gen Event

As temperatures swelled into the 90s and stayed there for days, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) declared a Maximum Generation Event on Monday, June 23. While it was terminated later that evening, a Max Gen Warning remained in effect through 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24.

The Max Gen Event Step 1b is the first tier of emergency action and is a sign that supply margins were critically thin. Under such conditions, MISO may begin curtailing nonessential electricity exports, activating demand response programs, or dispatching emergency generation.

According to MISO data, “forced outages” on June 23 topped 15,000 MW.

Co-op Youth Attend 2025 NRECA Youth Tour

Thirteen youth members from nine Wisconsin electric cooperatives traveled to Washington, D.C. for the 2025 NRECA Youth Tour, which was held June 15-21. The group had a jam-packed and fun-filled week touring historic places, visiting museums, meeting with Wisconsin legislators and staff, learning about the value of electric cooperatives, and honing their leadership skills. Among the many activities, the group toured the White House, Pentagon Memorial, and Smithsonian, and met inperson with Senator Tammy Baldwin. Taylor Electric Cooperative, Pierce

Pepin Cooperative Services, AdamsColumbia Electric Cooperative, Rock Energy Cooperative, Barron Electric Cooperative, Riverland Energy Cooperative, Jackson Electric Cooperative, Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative, and Clark Electric Cooperative all sponsored youth to attend the tour.

Adams-Columbia Youth Selected to Serve as State Representative

Dillan Sztuczko of Adams-Columbia has been selected to serve as Wisconsin’s State Representative at the NRECA Annual Meeting in Nashville in 2026. Sztuczko was elected to serve on the 2024-25 Youth Board at the Youth Leadership Conference last summer. As Youth Rep, he will have the opportunity to participate in coop leadership activities at the national conference, as well as take part in tours and entertainment planned by NRECA, along with electric cooperative youth from other states.

Sztuczko will attend UW-Madison to study electrical engineering.

EPA Proposes Rollback of Power Plant Rules

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially released its proposal to replace Biden-era rules that would have forced the early closure of some natural gas power plants. In line with President Donald Trump’s goal of “unleashing American energy,” since taking office, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin has pushed to encourage fossil-fuel-based energy production.

Zeldin announced the EPA will repeal power sector standards including one that would require natural gas plants to use unproven carbon capture technology or shut down. Zeldin said the new rules remove “expensive, unreasonable, and burdensome regulations” imposed by the Biden Administration and will save $1 billion each year.

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A ‘SIGN’ OF THE TIMES VIGILANCE IS NEEDED IN PROTECTING THE GRID AND OUR TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

ecember of 2022 was a wake-up call for electric utilities across the country. On December 3 of that year, two Duke Energy substations in Moore County, North Carolina, were shot up by assailants, causing power outages that lasted numerous days for more than 45,000 people. A few weeks later, on Christmas Day, on the other side of the country, two men took being a Scrooge to a whole new level when they fired on four electrical substations in Washington State, causing power outages for 15,000 people.

Nine years earlier, you may recall PG&E’s Metcalf Substation attack in San Jose, California, in which an unknown suspect(s) took out seventeen transformers, an attack that made national news and caused Jon Wellinghoff, then-chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, to claim it was, “the most significant incident of domestic terrorism involving the grid that has ever occurred.”

include broadband and video service infrastructure. When copper prices soared in the early 2000s, we experienced theft of copper lines at extraordinary levels. For a time, the price of copper dropped, but with a recent rise in prices, we are now seeing a resurgence of theft. Passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, this legislation also increases the penalty for this criminal act from a misdemeanor to a Class I felony.

Does it really warrant a felony? Whenever someone vandalizes, sabotages, or destroys critical infrastructure, they put lives at risk, as it can have a direct impact on public safety, emergency communications, and life-support systems in people’s homes. The seriousness of the penalty should be on par with the seriousness of the potential human consequences. I don’t think someone who cuts copper or fiber optic lines or shoots at transformers really comprehends the potential damage they are causing or the lives they are putting at risk.

I remind you of these incidents not because we are experiencing a similar threat here in Wisconsin (although plenty of minor incidents have occurred throughout the years) but rather to bring your attention to legislation that is likely to be signed into law that addresses physical attacks on our electrical grid and telecommunication systems.

Assembly Bill 242, authored by State Representative Rob Summerfield (R-Bloomer) and State Senator Jesse James (R-Thorp), extends penalties for persons who interfere with wires, poles, or other property of electric transmission and telecommunication facilities to now

Which brings me back to the title of this column. Since 1978, the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association has endorsed a ‘vandalism reward’ as a deterrent against damaging cooperative property. Placed around substations, equipment yards, and other sensitive areas, the signs have advertised a financial reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone willfully damaging property, resulting in an interruption of service. We recently raised that reward from $2,500 to $5,000 in recognition of the seriousness of such criminal acts.

Let’s hope the deterrence works. If it doesn’t, we do expect the financial incentive for information that leads to a conviction will help us catch any culprits who would willfully put your security, and potentially your life, in danger.

Rob

$5,000 $5,000

FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE CONVICTION OF ANYONE WILLFULLY DAMAGING THE PROPERTY OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OPERATING WITHIN WISCONSIN OR WILLFULLY DAMAGING OTHER PROPERTY (NOT OWNED BY A WISCONSIN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE)

Information should be conveyed to your local law enforcement o cials, to your electric cooperative, or to the:

RESULTING IN THE INTERRUPTION OF SERVICE TO MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OPERATING WITHIN WISCONSIN. Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (608)467-4650 www.weca.coop

GROWING HOPE

Planting and nurturing. Cultivating and growing. These things were integral to Brianne Massman’s life from an early age. Growing up on the Prindle family farm in Alma Center, she was only 17 when her mother died of breast cancer. Suddenly, her role as older sister to brothers Will, 10, and Jacob, 7, became so much more.

“Just watching the boys grow up was always a source of pride for me, not just because they’re my brothers, but because of that added relationship layer—looking out for them and teaching them and helping them grow,” she said.

Brianne was proud to see Will hit the ground running after high school. He studied agronomy at UW-River Falls, and after graduation, got a job working for Federation Cooperative, where he put his school and life experience to work helping farmers. Described as smart, friendly, and quick-witted, Will decided to add entrepreneur to his resume and became a business-

owner when he took over Kal’s Corner in Hixton, but the timing could not have been worse for the bar/ restaurant business. It was March of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down.

Still, Brianne says, Will made the best of it. “The previous owner helped him out, and he did take-out meals until he could open back up for business. He was smart and resilient, and sure, it was a punch in the gut, but it was COVID—a lot of people were struggling. From our end of things, it looked like he was handling it all with grace.”

Brianne, who still lives on the farm, now with her own family, says Will had “ups and downs,” like everyone does, but despite the challenges, he was excited about his new business. She thought he was doing ok. Until the day she found out that he wasn’t.

It was an early Sunday morning in September of

2020 when Brianne got the call from her father that changed everything. Will had taken his own life.

“It was, by far, the most horrible thing that I’ve ever gone through. I just remember wailing and sobbing and screaming and the disbelief and heartbreak. It was just horrible. For a year, I cried every single day,” she recalls.

With Will, there were no obvious warning signs. He had never threatened suicide. He wasn’t giving away his belongings or getting his affairs in order. He wasn’t despondent. And he certainly wasn’t talking about struggles with mental health. He was a farm kid, after all.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the suicide rate among farmers is three times higher than the national

average. Those impacted most are men aged 25 and older.

While Will wasn’t a full-time farmer, he had some farmland, and farming is always in your DNA.

“Day-to-day, whether it’s with your livestock, or with the weather and your crops, there’s a lot of stress that farmers go through, and between feeling like they don’t have time to ask for help—because they’re always farming, they’re fixing, they’re milking, they’re in the fields—they feel like they don’t have time to reach out for support and quite honestly, it’s probably not really their jam, anyway.” Brianne explains.

For her, once the grief fog made way for some focus and function, Brianne decided to turn her pain into purpose. In 2021, she launched #WillPProject, a true grassroots effort

aimed at raising awareness of issues related to mental health and suicide.

“I just knew the heartbreak and the hurt and the pain that my family and I felt—it was unbearable, and I didn’t want anyone else to go through that,” she said.

Brianne doesn’t like to talk about suicide, at all. But she does it, again and again, through the #WillPProject, because she knows how important it is to break the stigma. “Mental health affects people individually, it affects relationships, families, businesses, and communities. It’s everything. And if we can teach our kids at a young age to have coping mechanisms, ways to talk about it, ways to start conversations about it, that helps so much.”

Through the nonprofit #WillPProject, Brianne runs a variety

Brianne and her son, Brett, on their family farm. Will showing at the Jackson County Fair’s alumni showmanship event. Brianne and Brett with livestock. Brianne launched the #WillPProject in 2021. Will with his siblings Sam Prindle, Jacob Prindle, and Brianne Massman.

FEATURE

of campaigns, often working with local organizations. They donated therapy lamps to local schools to help kids deal with “winter blues.” #WillPProject participates in parades and sets up booths at events like the Jackson County Fair to help people start the conversation about mental health. For “Mental Health Month” in May, they gave resource boxes to local businesses. They also launched “Send a Smile” earlier this year, where people could fill out nominations online, and the recipient received a small gift or token in the mail, just to brighten their day.

“It’s funny how just even a simple sticker can make someone’s day, something with a positive message that resonates with them can have such a

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Dial 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline.

To learn more about #WillPProject or to make a donation, contact information is below:

#WillPProject c/o Brianne Massman W11945 Prindle Road Alma Center, WI 54611

Venmo: @WillPProject

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/willpproject

positive impact.” Brianne says.

The #WillPProject is funded fully by donations, and 100% of the money raised goes directly to the cause. This year, Jackson Electric Cooperative selected the #WillPProject as the recipient of the annual $1,000 Mike Anderson Memorial Award. The award is presented to a community group or organization in honor of the co-op’s former general manager, who was dedicated to the co-op community.

Board Director Kristi Hanson presented the award to Brianne at the co-op’s annual meeting in May.

“Cooperative support for these kinds of organizations aligns perfectly with the Cooperative Principle #7 and is imperative as it’s these grassroots groups connecting one-on-one with a spectrum of community members—school-aged students, young adults, farmers, and the elderly, just to name a few,

Will from the cab of a tractor on the family farm.

in our community doing the valued work of providing messages of hope, help, and light in suicide prevention,” said Hanson.

“I was honored and overwhelmed when we were selected for the Mike Anderson Award,” Brianne said. “For a little nonprofit like us, that’s a lot of money, and we can do so much good with that! It will go so far in helping us share our message with the community. The support from Jackson Electric was amazing. I am overwhelmed by all of the community support.”

Among the other activities done through the #WillPProject, Brianne says she “makes up holidays,” such as “Tomorrow Needs You” day. And the effort is working. More than one person has told her that the efforts of the organization, born out of so much heartache, changed their mood, their day, and their life.

And that, she says, is what #WillPProject is all about.

“There’s always hope. In the darkest days, there’s always light that comes after.”—Julie Lund, photos courtesy of Brianne Massman

KEEPING YOU

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.

Will at Kal’s Korner, which he purchased in March 2020.

Keep your refrigerator gaskets clean to ensure a tight seal around the door. If you have a second refrigerator or freezer, consider ways to avoid food waste and unplug the extra appliance when it is not needed. Clean the vent cover and remove dust and debris buildup in the vent area under the front of the refrigerator.

COOL SAVINGS:

REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER EFFICIENCY TIPS

Q: What are some ways I can improve the e ciency of my refrigerator and freezer?

A: When exploring ways to be more efficient with refrigerators and freezers, we often find ourselves stuck between convenience and conserving energy. While you can upgrade to newer equipment, care and equipment habits can be just as important to saving energy.

Here is some guidance on equipment energy use, including tips to keep your current equipment running efficiently and ways to limit overuse of refrigeration in our homes.

The U.S. Department of Energy helps us understand what to look for in our existing equipment and new appliances. In general, the larger the refrigerator, the more energy it uses. The most efficient models are typically 16 to 20 cubic feet. Models with the freezer on top tend to use less energy than bottom freezers or sideby-side units. A refrigerator 15 years or older uses about 35% more energy than an Energy Star-certified model.

Let’s explore some tips to keep your refrigerator running efficiently.

Keep it organized. One of the biggest issues with refrigerator energy use is opening the door or keeping it open. An organized fridge makes food items easier to find, minimizing open-door time and keeping cold air inside. Place items in the same spots so they are easier and faster to find. I tell my kids to take a quick look inside at the options and close the door while they are deciding what to eat.

Keep it clean. Regularly cleaning the gasket—the flexible strip around the perimeter of the fridge door— ensures a tight seal between the door and the unit to

keep cold air inside. If the gasket is not sealing tightly, it should be replaced. Removing and cleaning the vent at the bottom of the unit can help airflow. For the coils at the back, use an extended cleaning brush instead of moving the fridge and risking injury.

Also, keep food safety in mind. The Department of Energy recommends setting your refrigerator temperature between 35 and 38 degrees and freezer at 0 degrees.

If you have a second refrigerator or freezer, here are some things to consider that can help you save energy.

Do you need it plugged in year-round? Perhaps you can keep it empty and unplugged for part of the year. Maybe you only really need it during the holiday season. Unplugging it for the months you aren’t using it will save energy, and you’ll still have it as a backup when you need it.

If you are a hunter or buy meat in bulk, set a goal to empty out your freezer before you restock. This allows you to avoid food waste and unplug the extra appliance when it is not needed.

If possible, consider the location. Keeping the second fridge or freezer in a cool basement versus a hot garage requires less energy.

Instilling simple cleaning and food storage habits are easy ways to be more efficient with your in-home refrigeration.

Miranda writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric co-ops.

Grilled Chicken and Peach Kabobs

Recipe and photo courtesy of the National Chicken Council.

MARINADE

1/4 cup coarse grainy mustard

2 Tbsp red wine vinegar

2 tsp chopped fresh thyme

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

1 Tbsp orange zest

1/4 cup olive oil

JUST peachy

In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar, thyme, salt, pepper, and zest.

Slowly whisk in olive oil to combine.

KABOBS

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

2 small zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch rounds

16 cremini mushrooms, cleaned

3 ripe peaches, cut into eighths (may use frozen if fresh is not available)

8 wooden or metal skewers (If using wooden skewers, place in water and soak for at least one hour.)

Cut chicken into 1-inch diced pieces. Thread chicken cubes, zucchini rounds, mushrooms, and peach slices onto skewers, alternating ingredients. Be sure to leave enough space at bottom of skewer to hold and turn.

Place skewers in a single layer on a sheet pan or baking dish and pour marinade over, turning skewers to distribute marinade. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight, turning skewers occasionally while marinading.

Heat grill on high heat. Place skewers on grill and cook for approx. 10 minutes, turning periodically to cook evenly on all sides. Serve over rice. Serves 4.

RECIPES

Peach Cobbler

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Home Baking Association. This classic Peach Cobbler recipe is a breeze to make from scratch and delivers all the comforting avors of homemade goodness. With a golden, buttery crust blanketing a luscious lling of fresh or frozen peaches, this cobbler brings a warm taste of summer to your table year-round. The juicy peaches blend perfectly with a touch of cinnamon and sugar, creating a sweet and tangy lling beneath a crisp, caramelized topping. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate cozy dessert!

COBBLER FILLING

1/2 cup sugar

1 Tbsp cornstarch

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Dash of nutmeg

1/3 cup water

4 cups sliced fresh peaches or 1 (20 oz) bag frozen sliced peaches, thawed

1/2 tsp almond extract

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Coat an 8-x8-inch baking dish lightly with nonstick cooking spray or shortening. In a medium saucepan combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water; add peach slices. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture comes to boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in almond extract. Pour into a prepared baking dish and place in oven to keep warm while preparing topping.

BISCUIT TOPPING

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1-1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup vegetable shortening

1/3 cup milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Ice cream or whipped cream topping (optional)

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. Cut in shortening with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine milk and vanilla; pour over flour mixture, stirring just until moistened. Remove baking dish from oven. Drop biscuit mixture in 9 mounds on top of hot fruit. Return to oven and bake 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired. Serves 4–6.

Onion-Peach Salsa

Recipe and photo courtesy of the National Onion Association.

1/2 cup chopped yellow onion

2 cups chopped fresh ripe or thawed, frozen peaches

3 Tbsp chopped cilantro leaves

2 Tbsp chopped jalapeno pepper

Salt

Fresh lime juice

Combine ingredients in a medium bowl, adding salt and lime juice to taste; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serves 6.

Citrus Brined Grilled Turkey with Peach Slaw

Recipe and photo courtesy of the National Turkey Federation.

Summer is calling! Fire up the grill and put this deliciousness on the table. Brining the turkey tenders keep them moist and avorful. A spoonful of peach slaw melds all of the avors together into the perfect bite of summer.

TURKEY BRINE

4 cups water

1 cup sugar

1 cup kosher salt

1 cup lime juice

1 cup orange juice

2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped

1/2 cup sage, chopped

1/2 cup mint, chopped

1-1/2 lbs turkey tenders

PEACH SLAW

1/2 cup pecans

1 medium yellow onion, diced

3 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1 Tbsp curry powder

2 tsp kosher salt

2 peaches, diced

1 Tbsp lime juice

2 tsp mint

1 Tbsp kosher salt

Bring water, sugar, and salt to a boil over high heat in a medium stockpot until salt and sugar dissolve; remove from heat. Add remaining brine ingredients, except turkey tenders, to the water mixture. Refrigerate uncovered until cold. Lay the turkey tenders on a cutting board, flat side down. With the edge of your knife parallel to the cutting board, begin cutting down the length of the side of each tender. Carefully slice the tenders in half, almost to the opposite edge. Add tenders to brine, cover, and chill for approx. 2–3 hours.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, spread pecans evenly over the surface. Keep the pecans moving for approx. 3–4 minutes by shaking the pan to prevent burning. Pecans should become fragrant; remove from heat. Allow to cool, then roughly chop and set aside in a medium bowl. In the same saucepan over medium heat, sauté yellow onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the curry powder and salt. Once the onions are translucent and beginning to brown, remove from heat and transfer to medium bowl with pecans. Add peaches, lime juice, and mint; toss to combine, then set aside. Remove turkey tenders from brine and pat dry. Season all sides of turkey tenders with 1 tablespoon kosher salt.

ON THE GRILL: Heat grill and use oil to coat the grill grates. Carefully place each tender, smooth side down, on the grill and cook for approx. 4–6 minutes per side, until a food thermometer reads 165 degrees. Allow turkey to rest for 3 minutes.

ON THE STOVE: In a heavy-bottomed, large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Heat pan for approx. one minute. Carefully place each tender, smooth side down, in pan and sear for approx. 4–6 minutes per side, until a food thermometer reads 165 degrees. Allow turkey to rest for 3 minutes.

Serve a generous spoonful of peach slaw over each turkey tender. Serves 6.

READER RECIPES

EGGPLANT CAPONATA (ITALIAN EGGPLANT APPETIZER-RELISH)

RECIPE COURTESY OF CATHY BAUER, LAVALLE

Speaking as an Italian, this one is easy and a real crowd pleaser! It also makes a delicious spread on a sandwich instead of mayo, and leftover Caponata may be stored in a mason jar. Saluto!

3/4 cup olive oil

2 cloves fresh garlic, crushed or minced

1 large eggplant, peeled and cut into small cubes (approx. 3 cups)

1/2 cup green bell pepper

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup nely chopped at Italian parsley

REQUESTS FROM OUR READERS

An online reader is looking for a good cauli ower recipe.

SEND TO: WECN, Reader Recipes, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200 or jennifer@weca.coop

1 Tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp crushed oregano 1/4 tsp crushed basil

1 tsp seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s)

Small pinch of black pepper

1 cup canned tomato paste

1/4 cup water

3 Tbsp red wine vinegar

1 can (4 oz) mushroom stems and pieces (do not drain)

1/2 cup small, pimento-stu ed olives

Crackers and/or crostini

Heat olive oil and garlic in a large, heavy skillet. Add the eggplant, green bell pepper, onion, and parsley; toss to mix. Cover tightly and cook over low heat, approx. 10 minutes. Meanwhile, blend sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Add tomato paste, water and red wine vinegar; mix well. Add to mixture in skillet and stir in mushrooms and olives. Cover and cook gently until eggplant is just tender (not mushy). Transfer mixture into a bowl and store covered in refrigerator overnight to allow avors to blend. Serve with crackers and/or crostini. Makes 4 cups.

“Ground cherries are small, sweet-tart fruits that grow inside a papery husk, belonging to the genus Physalis. They are related to tomatoes and are often used in desserts, salads, or eaten raw.” - Description courtesy Wikipedia.

Photo, courtesy Douglas Goldman via Wikimedia Commons.

GROUND CHERRY MUFFINS

RECIPE COURTESY OF SHIRLEY LEWIS, MADISON

1/4 cup butter, cubed 1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

Pinch of salt

1 cup our

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/.

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.

SWEET CORN FOR FREEZING

RECIPE COURTESY OF SHERRY VANBRUGGEN, EXELAND

In response to the request for LaVaughn from Janesville looking for the Libby’s Canning Factory Frozen Corn recipe. Years ago, I came across this recipe for frozen corn and as I’m not at all a fan of frozen corn, I must say this recipe is SO DELICIOUS!! Tastes just like fresh from the cob! I’m not sure where I got the recipe from but gured if they couldn’t nd the Libby’s recipe maybe to try this. I’m sure there won’t be any disappointment! And so easy!

16 cups raw corn cut from the cob raw (approx. 3–4 dozen)

3 cups water

1 Tbsp salt

1 Tbsp sugar  1 stick butter

Place all ingredients into large kettle and boil hard for 5 minutes. Let cool, place in containers, and freeze.

MACARONI AND CORN CASSEROLE

RECIPE COURTESY OF KOREEN FRISK, NEW LISBON

1 (11 oz) can whole kernel corn

1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn

1 stick butter, melted

1 cup dry macaroni (uncooked) 1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

Mix together both cans of corn, melted butter, and macaroni into a greased 2-quart baking dish, sprinkle with cheese. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 30 minutes more.

GROUND CHERRY COFFEE CAKE

RECIPE COURTESY OF SHIRLEY LEWIS, MADISON

2 cups our

1-1/4 cups granulated sugar

1-1/4 tsp salt

10 Tbsp unsalted butter, cubed 1-1/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup milk

1 cup ground cherries

Cream the butter and sugar; add egg and beat well. Next, add the dry ingredients, then the milk, and mix well; fold in ground cherries. Spoon mixture into a prepared 6-cup mu n tin. Sprinkle each with sugar. Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for approx. 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

1 large egg

2-1/2 tsp vanilla

2/3 cup ground cherries

1 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter and our a 9-inch cake pan or bundt pan. Mix together the our, sugar, and salt. Cut in cubed butter and combine with our mixture. Remove 1 cup of this mixture and place into a bowl; set aside. Add baking powder and baking soda to main our mixture and whisk gently; add buttermilk, vanilla, and egg and stir until mixture is free of our streaks. Lumps are okay as the butter is still chunky, but streaks mean it’s not mixed enough. Pour our mixture into the prepared pan. Scatter ground cherries over the top. Next, add pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon to the bowl of reserved our-butter mixture. Stir until combined and sprinkle over the top of the ground cherries. It will be thick, which is okay. Bake for approx. 60–70 minutes, depending on the color of the cake or until a skewer comes out clean. Cover with foil if it gets brown but needs to bake longer. Allow to cool 15 minutes before serving.

OROCK RIVER THRESHEREE

n Rock Energy Cooperative lines in Edgerton, the Rock River Thresheree offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing farming practices of yesteryear. This year, held at Thresherman’s Park on August 29, 30, 31, and September 1, the event will spotlight the 100th anniversary of Caterpillar and feature Fuller & Johnson gas engines.

A “thresheree” is defined as a festival celebrating the history of grain farming and is derived from “thresher,” the specific equipment used during harvest that separates grain from chaff and straw. Threshing equipment was revolutionized in the 1830s by making it steam, or horse- and mule-powered. Previously, threshing was done mainly by hand.

The Rock River Thresheree traces its roots back to John Horton, who purchased his first steam engine at the age of 16. Around 1955, he bought an Advance

“I was there when I was five years old, and now I’m 75. I was there 70 years ago when the first thresheree was held on a farm in Rock County,” said Raymond. “I remember going over there ahead of time with my dad. In the wheat field, they were CELEBRATING COMMUNITY THEN

Rumely, which had been standing idle since the last person able to operate it passed away. Horton, his son Jack, and neighbor August Handtke repaired the engine and invited the public for a demonstration. They were amazed at the number of people who showed up. The rest, they say, is history.

Rock Energy Cooperative member and thresheree volunteer Jim Raymond remembers that first gathering well.

cutting the wheat with an old binder and a team of horses. By that time, people were all driving tractors, and it was an odd thing to see somebody that was out working with horses, so it was seared into my mind.”

“I thought ‘wow this is really cool’—even as a young kid, I looked at it and said ‘Oh, I see how that works.’ The wheels turn and they turn those gears and that runs the sickle, and all the little pieces would come together,” said Raymond. “Some of the things that I really enjoy about all the equipment is that it doesn’t take Einstein-kind-of-brains to understand how it all works. Steam just runs a piston.”

According to Raymond, Walter Durst from Durst Corporation in Beloit wanted to invest money in the event, so he helped purchase land, which provided the organizers with a location for a small clubhouse.

Today, the event is run by a nonprofit organization of all volunteers on land owned by the group. It is focused on allowing the nearly 16,000 annual attendees to experience a part of rural Wisconsin history. The main draw of the event is the steam and gas engines, powering everything from sawmills and pile drivers to impressive steam traction engines. Each day at 2 p.m., there is a Parade of Power, where a procession of tractors, engines, and antique equipment rolls through the grounds.

The festival also features a flea market and a multitude of demonstra-

tions from years gone by, including blacksmiths, a sawmill, wheelwrights, gristmills, corn shellers, and a restored post-war Sears kit house. Raymond said that historical reenactors also stage a train robbery each day.

Rock River Cannonball

Beyond just the threshing, an addition to the steam-powered fun is the Rock River Cannonball. This nostalgic steam train circles Thresherman’s Park on a roughly two-mile route.

“[Durst] had enough money to help them get a steam train, because they figured that this needed more. We’re going to get people to come, we’re going to make it fun,” said Raymond. “They found a train in Germany. They tied it to the deck of a freighter and shipped it to Milwaukee.”

“Three guys from the thresheree went and picked it up in Milwaukee and brought it back here. The first

year, they set it on just some rails, and it went 50 feet in one direction, and 50 feet back,” said Raymond. The following year, they built two miles of track that the train now runs on.

Community Then and Now

Raymond has a deep history in agriculture as his farm has been in his family since 1836. He recognizes that the early days of threshing were built on the concept of community.

“The history of our country is agriculture. You go back to the very beginning of our country, and 90% plus of the people who lived here had it as their profession,” said Raymond. “It was agriculture, and threshing is a huge part of that.”

“In order for it to work, the community had to come together. That’s why threshing crews would have 20 people in them, and the farmers

would move from farm to farm following this, and they help out their neighbors,” said Raymond. “It just took a lot of people to make it happen. The community came together and did that.”

“Farmers couldn’t afford to have their own threshing machine, but they needed to be mechanized because there’s only so much you could do with threshing out grain on the ground. You needed to have a steam engine, and this equipment is a big part of our history,” said Raymond.

That sense of community lives on in the Rock River Thresheree today. The event is 100% volunteerrun by members who meet throughout the year to make the weekend run smoothly.

After his very early years as a thresheree attendee, Raymond began volunteering as an adult.

“When I first joined this thing, I thought it was

The fun and tradition of Wisconsin’s county fair season runs through the summer and concludes in September. Upload your favorite snapshots from your local county fair for a chance to win a WECN kitchen kit. Go to wecnmagazine.com and upload to the “Submit a photo” tab.

Submit photos by September 14.

going to be a bunch of old farmers,” he said. “That’s what it was when I was a kid, and I grew up on a farm, and I’m thinking, well, I’ll go there, and I’ll join when I’m retired. Come to find out, they’re not a bunch of old-timers; they’re a bunch of machinists. They can build anything! There is nothing that intimidates them. I’m just in awe of them because they’ll say, ‘Oh yeah, we found this old thing, it’s a bit rusty and everything, but give us a couple of months and we’ll have it running.’ Nothing intimidates them.”

Family Fun Raymond stresses that the event is fun for the whole family and an affordable outing.

“If you’re a family and you want to pile the kids in the car and go to some place that you actually can afford, where kids under 12 are free and adults at the gate pay 10 bucks to get in,” he said.

FUN AT THE FAIR

Photo Contest

Additional kids’ activities include pedal tractor pulls and rides, barrel train, pony rides, a petting zoo, and more.

“Come and wander the grounds and see things that are old but are working,” said Raymond. “It isn’t like going to a museum where you just see them sitting there collecting dust. This stuff is working.”

However, the Rock River Thresheree isn’t just about old machines. It brings people together just as threshing crews gathered decades ago—to celebrate the sense of community and heritage of Wisconsin agriculture.—Dana Kelroy, photos courtesy of Rock River Thresheree and Jim Raymond

SEPTEMBER

13 & 14, 2025

The Rock River Thresheree is held at Thresherman’s Park, located at 332 E. County Rd M, just off of U.S. 51 between Janesville and Edgerton. The event takes place from Friday, August 29, to Monday, September 1. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. For more information, call 608-868-2814.

PEPIN, WISCONSIN

LAURA INGALLS WILDER DAYS

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.

GOT TRAPS - NEED TRAPS? Wanted: bear or large, odd traps, lever-action ri es. For sale: beaver, coyote, Newhouse traps. 715-563-6658.

MAILBOX DOOR NOT STAYING CLOSED? Strong add-on magnet. No tools required. Rural style mailboxes. www.MAILNUT.com. 715-967-2448.

GEOTHERMAL We service & install all models and brands. Niesen@charter.net. Contact us today.

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.

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.

SHEDS DELIVERED - LOYAL, WI: Custom Design & Price Online! Sheds, barns, garages, cabins, & chicken coops. 2-4 week lead times. Free delivery & setup using our shed mule. Prebuilt inventory listings. ShedsDelivered.com.

E-BIKES FOR SALE Let me get you on the right E-bike/E-trike. E-Cycle Bike Shop Mobile, Boyceville, WI. Call or text Bicycle Larry 715-702-1452.

NEW PACKER CHEESEHEADS ITEMS! Check out www.cheeseknits.com for some great knit accessories. Perfect gifts for any Packer or Cheesehead fan!

ADVERTISE WITH US

Classi ed ads reach more than 152,000 mailboxes. RATES: For non-members of Wisconsin rural electric coops: 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.

KEEP YOUR COOL WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY

During these hot summer days, a home’s air-conditioning system can be operating for long hours keeping the indoor temperature comfortable. Make sure it’s operating safely:

l Have your air-conditioning system inspected regularly by a licensed HVAC professional.

l A dirty air conditioner lter not only keeps the unit from operating at peak e ciency, but it can also sometimes spark and create a re hazard. Change the lter according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

l Keep the space around your HVAC unit clear of any ammable and combustible items.

l Avoid using extension cords with a portable air conditioner. Extension cords can overheat and become a re hazard.

l Make sure your portable air conditioner is not operating to the point of overheating and overloading the circuit.

Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International

WISCONSIN EVENTS August 2025

1–31 Burger Nights—Mondovi. Together Farms; Thurs. & Fri., 4–9 p.m.; Sat., 12–9 p.m.; Sun., 12–7 p.m. Live music on weekends, a bar, and kids’ activities. 715200-8333.

1–3 OneFest—Cadott. Chippewa Valley Music Festival Grounds, all day. Christian music festival with activities for the whole family. 715-204-4226.

1–3 Wheeler Days—Wheeler. Wheeler Park, all day. Fireworks, car show, kickball, cornhole, bouncy houses, kids’ movie night, bingo, parade, music, food, more.

1–3 Coulee Antique Engine Club Annual Show— Westby. Coulee Antique Engine Club (S1061 Hwy 27), 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Featuring Massey-Harris, Massey-Ferguson, Ferguson, and excavating equipment, plus gas engines and power units, a steam engine, flea market, threshing and sawmill demos, and more. 608-606-0103.

2 Curtiss Corners Quilt Show—Curtiss. Community Center, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Lunch, craft sale, and demos. Sewing machine cleaning available. Accepting donations for the Clark Co. Humane Society.

2, 30 Junk-In-The-Trunk Sale—Suring. Nicolet Farm Market, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Come with your trunk full or empty. No charge to sell. For more info or to sign up to sell, call 715-276-2517.

2–3 Southwest Wisconsin Two-Cylinder Club Tractor Show—Boscobel. Pequea Machine Corp, all day. Featuring all things corn related. Field demos, flea market, and more. Food available. 608-485-1623.

3 Church Picnic—Sobieski. St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Polka Mass at 10 a.m., auction at noon, bake sale, kid’s games, bouncy house, bingo, raffles, antique tractor parade, and music.

5 Concert in the Park—Coloma. Community Park, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Elvis Impersonator Bring your 1970s or older vehicle and get preferred parking. Free admission, but donations accepted. Brats, hot dogs, and beverages. No rain date. 715-228-2631.

5–7 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days—Bear Creek (Waupaca). Clinton Farms, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Latest in farming technology and practices. Hands-on experiences, educational opportunities, and access to cutting-edge equipment and solutions in the farming industry. 608-345-5405.

8, 9 Rummage & Bake Sale—New Lisbon. Winding Rivers United Methodist Church (3/4-mile down the road behind McDonald’s), Fri., 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Lunch available. 608-562-3487.

8–10 Cable-Hayward Area Arts Council (CHARAC) Art Crawl—Sawyer, Washburn, and Bayfield Counties. Various art studios and galleries, Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Self-guided tour, 43 artists at 22 sites. Free, no pets. 715-598-4913.

9, 10 Ice Age Days Festival Craft Show—Rib Lake area. All day. Fun for the family. Crafters welcome to apply. 715-784-5000.

16 Family Fun Fest Car Show—Pittsville. Dexter Park, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Craft/vendor booths, food, kid’s games, more. Dash plaques for the first 100 entries: cars, trucks, tractors, and motorcycles. Car entry fee is $10. 715-323-2400.

16 Corn & Brat Fest—Herbster. Historic Log Gym, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Delicious meal, lemonade, beer, desserts, and a duck race.

16 Music on the Lawn: Calianna Caroline— Cornell. Public Library, 4–6 p.m. Bring your lawn chair, blankets,. 715-239-3709.

16 Phillips on Tap—Phillips. Elk Lake Park, 4–9 p.m. Featuring craft beer from local breweries, plus wineries and food vendors. Music by Boogie & the Yo-Yoz.

16, 17 Church Picnic—Custer. Sacred Heart Church. Mass with Polish hymns 10 a.m., chicken and ham dinner 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Polka music. Food, refreshments, cherry tree, country store, bingo at 12:30 p.m., basket and mini raffles, and kid’s games. 715-600-6942.

17 Family Fun Fest Open House—Babcock. Jeremiah’s Crossing, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Meet the horses, guided tours, and demos. Seniors welcome. Email jcrossing2911@ gmail.com for more info.

21–23 Clearwater Jazz and Art Festival—Eau Claire. The Brewing Projekt. Thurs., poetry and jazz; Fri., Kate Voss & The Hot Sauce. Nonstop jazz on 3 stages on Sat. from noon–10 p.m. with art fair from noon–7 p.m. Free. All ages are welcome.

23 Coon Valley Celebration—Coon Valley. Downtown area, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Softball tournament, car show, vendor’s market, food trucks, live music, kid’s activities, and fireworks.

23 Discover Downsville Day—Downsville. Menomonie area, 7 a.m.–11 p.m. Pancake breakfast, bike race, vendor event, antique car show, kid’s tractor pull and obstacle course, raffle, food, pottery demo, bands, fireworks, and more. 715-664-8374.

23 Musky Sno & ATV Club Clubhouse Open House— Hayward. Groomer’s Shed, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sloppy Joes/hot dogs. Donations accepted. Basket and 50/50 drawings. Accessible by auto, ATV, UTV. 715-699-4520.

24 Fall Festival—Durand. Holy Rosary Church, 10 a.m. mass; beef dinner 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Lima’s famous poppy rolls, silent auction, cash raffle, big basket raffle, gun and crossbow raffle, farmer’s market, more Handicap accessible and UTV shuttle available. 715-672-5640.

29–31 Kendallfest—Kendall. Glenwood Park. All day. Fri., all-you-can-eat sweet corn, carnival, and food vendors, music, tractor pull. Sat., 6:30–7:30 a.m., registration for 5K run/walk at 8 a.m.; mini pull, corn hole tournament, demo derby, bingo, pedal pull. Sun., pancake breakfast; noon Labor Day parade, demo derby, and music. 608-462-7471.

30 Flea & Craft Market—Coloma. Community Park, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. For shopping info or to sign up as a seller, call 715-340-1232.

30 Railroad Museum Show & Craft Sale—Colfax. Fairgrounds, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Model trains and layouts on display, railroad artifacts, and crafts. Bring the family and stop by the Railroad Museum for a guided tour. 715-962-2076.

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

a

Upload photos directly to wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab. 2 1 3

2. Amani and Acacia are in awe of little Ellie. Photo submitted by Barb Hinz, a member of Dunn Energy.

3. Braxton is so proud of his new puppy, Acker. Photo submitted by Karen Ziegler, a member of Riverland 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.

HYDROPOWER WORD SEARCH

You know that it’s never safe to mix water and electricity at home, but did you know that large amounts of owing water can be used to create electricity? This process of generating electricity from the movement of water is called hydropower.

Read the facts below, then nd and circle the bolded words in the puzzle.

1. Water owing down a river is used to spin large turbines that help create hydroelectricity.

2. When the turbines spin, a large generator spins, which creates electricity.

3. The amount of water used to generate hydropower is controlled through the use of large dams.

4. Hydropower is a form of renewable energy.

1. Charlie has a stare-down with
baby chick. Photo submitted by Grandma Carla Stabenow, a member of Riverland Energy.

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