Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News December 2025

Page 1


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

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

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

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

In today’s economy, wise purchases are more important than ever. With the skyrocketing price of fossil fuels, homeowners around he world have found that WaterFurnace is a smart choice. That’s because WaterFurnace taps into the clean, renewable energy in your own backyard to provide savings up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer for more information and to learn about the 30% federal tax credit. It’s money in the bank.

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

Madison/Black Earth 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

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

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.

Electric cooperatives are built and owned by the very people they serve.

A failed water heater can cause damage to your home and property.

Holiday cheer takes ight at Reindeer Acres.

Kids & Critters

See the best of 2025’s co-op kids with their critters.

Please recycle

Matt Feeney, head elf at Reindeer Acres, confers with Prancer in front of the sleigh before they take ight.
Photo by Alex Holldorf, courtesy of Reindeer Acres

SYMBOL SEARCH

HIDDEN OBJECT GAME

Winning our November search was Daniel Casey, a member of Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative. He found the pomegranate on, “Page 13 lower right corner with items on desk under the cabinet. We love the WECN Magazine and read it cover to cover every month.”

Now, we challenge you to nd this reindeer to inspire you to read about Dunn Energy Cooperative member Reindeer Acres on page 24. 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 December 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

COOKIES FROM YOUR KITCHENS

Our readers consistently tell us one of their favorite parts of the magazine is the recipe pages. Whether it’s the themed spread on pages 20–21 or the reader-submitted recipes on page 22, readers love the recipes.

Maybe because sharing recipes brings us all together, in a sense? Each recipe is an invitation into the cook’s kitchen. It’s a window into your home, heritage, and traditions. Sharing recipes from you, our readers, fosters a sense of belonging and encourages connection.

Especially during the holidays, food and recipes have a way of reminding us of days gone by, and sometimes even of friends and family who are no longer with us.

This month, we are sharing two pages of readersubmitted holiday treat recipes. I make an e ort to try at least one new cookie recipe each year, in addition to my tried-and-true favorites. In fact, my kids and I usually have a tasting contest with score sheets and choose a winner each year. Which new recipe will you choose?

From our co-op family to yours, wishing you warm, cheerful holidays and contest-winning cookies.

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

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

NEWS BRIEFS

Dairyland Power Acquires Natural Gas Plants

Dairyland Power Cooperative has announced the acquisition of two natural gas plants in Illinois, including the 480-MW Elgin Energy Center in Elgin, and the 330-MW Rocky Road facility in East Dundee from Avenue Capital Group, a global investment firm. Both were operated by Middle River Power.

“These strategic investments are essential to position Dairyland to meet the growing resource adequacy and reliability needs of rural communities,” said Brent Ridge, Dairyland President and CEO.

Dairyland is also working to secure power purchase agreements for approximately 1,000 MW of wind and solar projects with the help of a $595 million New Empowering Rural America (New ERA) award.

WECA Hosts 2025 Annual Meeting

The 2025 WECA Annual Meeting took place November 12–13 in Wisconsin Dells with co-op leaders from across the state in attendance.

Featured speakers included Brian Sloboda, National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) director of Utility Research & Policy; UW Women’s Hockey Coach and member of the “Miracle on Ice” Olympic team Mark Johnson; Bob Welch, executive director of the Rural Policy Institute; Brian Reisinger, author of Land Rich Cash Poor; and Jeff Ditzenberger, founder of TUGS (Talking, Understanding, Growing, Supporting) and director of communications at FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative.

The keynote speaker was Mark Nutsch, former Green Beret commander and co-founder of Horse Soldier Bourbon who led the first

successful Special Forces mission in Afghanistan after 9/11 which inspired the Hollywood film 12 Strong

The organization also recognized the best in the electric co-op industry by awarding the Cooperative Hero, Herman C. Potthast, N.F. Leifer Memorial Journalism, and Ally of Cooperative Electrification Awards. More on these award winners will appear in next month’s magazine.

Government Shutdown Delays Funds

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history impacted many Wisconsinites, including the delay of federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), known in Wisconsin as WHEAP.

The funds help about 6 million households pay their heating or cooling bills and offers assistance to help replace broken heaters or furnaces.

The delay came as people in Wisconsin and across the nation face increased gas and electric bills of 6–7% on average.

Wisconsin Joins Lawsuit Against FEMA, DHS

A coalition of 12 states, including Wisconsin, have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency over recent changes to the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) and the Homeland Security Grant Programs which funds counterterrorism and emergency preparedness efforts.

The lawsuit claims FEMA unlawfully froze EMPG funds until states verify population counts excluding people removed under

federal immigration law. Other states named in the suit are Michigan, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, and Kentucky.

Dunn Energy Launches

Fourth Solar Installation

Dunn Energy Cooperative celebrated the completion of a small-scale solar array installation recently. The new 2.5 MW solar array includes 5,252 solar panels and is owned and operated by One Energy. This is the co-op’s fourth small-scale solar array, and the third self-serve solar installation on Dunn Energy’s lines. It sits on 15 acres and will produce enough energy to power 625 average Wisconsin homes.

Dunn Energy signed a 30-year contract with One Energy to purchase the solar power from the array.

UW Panel Focuses on Wisconsin’s Nuclear Future

Dairyland Power Cooperative

Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Kevin Nordt was part of a recent panel discussion at the Forward in Energy Forum at UW-Madison.

Nordt joined Grainger Professor of Nuclear Engineering and the Chair of UW-Madison‘s Department of Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics Paul Wilson; Senator Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin), chair of the Committee on Utilities, Technology and Tourism; and Robb Hughes, head of external affairs at Realta Fusion.

The discussion focused on the role of nuclear in the state’s energy landscape including advanced nuclear technologies and how communities and stakeholders can move expansion of nuclear energy forward.

“Couldnothavefoundabettercoat! Comfortableandlighttowear...doesthejob tokeepmewarmanddry!Fitsverywell& roomytoo.” –Martin.LongIsland,NY Boulder Creek ® fleece-lined expedition parka Two-way zip-front and snap storm flap. Removable hood. Dual entry flap pockets, hidden vertical zip chest pockets, hand-warmer pocket, and an inside chest pocket. Adjustable interior bungee drawstring at waist. Plush fleece sleeves with quilted polyfill for extra warmth. Adjustable elastic barrel cuffs with self-adhesive tabs. Polyester. Big: XL-8XL, abt. 34”; Dark Khaki, Royal Blue, Olive, Black, Navy and Rich Burgundy in Big: S-8XL. Tall: L-8XL, abt. 36”. Spot clean. Imported. Colors as shown. 1162-15965-0963 214 .99 NOW 54.99

DO WE HAVE IT IN US TO ‘TURN THE TEMPERATURE DOWN’ THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

Every month before I begin writing, Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News Editor Dana Kelroy asks what topic I plan to cover, and she will on occasion offer advice. For December, she suggested I “keep it light” in the spirit of the season. I told her I might write about families discussing politics over the holidays—at which point I’m sure she questioned not just my sanity, but my understanding of “light.”

Recent months have brought a troubling wave of political violence: assassination attempts on a presidential candidate; the fire bombing of the Pennsylvania Governor’s residence; and the killings of a Minnesota legislator, her husband, and a prominent conservative thought leader. It’s a lot to take in—for anyone. Just as disturbing as these horrific events are the divisive, vile, and often cruel reactions they provoke.

America has endured revolution, civil war, and social upheaval, and yet, here we are today. If nothing else, we are resilient. But I’m still left wondering if, as a nation, are we improving, or regressing? I in no way claim to have the answer, but I do wonder if we have it in us to be better.

Surprisingly, I’ve found a glimmer of hope in the words of two politicians I hadn’t paid much attention to until recently. Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman have both offered thoughtful, measured perspectives that deserve more attention, yet I also think they will be targeted for being perceived as naïve. But what they said, in the moment, is what I believe all Americans need to hear.

Following the death of Charlie Kirk, Cox stated that our “Our nation is broken…Nothing I say can unite us as a country…or fix what is broken.” In a later interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes he told Scott Pelley, “We just need every single person in this country to think about where we are and where we want to be.” Cox said that social media is a “cancer” that is “taking all of our worst impulses and putting them on steroids. It is driving us to division. It is driving us to hate.”

Cox and Fetterman are making it clear that civil debates and disagreements are at the very fabric of who we are, but it’s the tone that is now different. Fetterman, reflecting on his own background as the only Democrat in a conservative family also warned against extreme rhetoric, saying, “I would never compare anybody, anybody to Hitler, and those things.’ He suggested that such “extreme rhetoric” will make it “more likely” that there will be “extreme…outcomes and political violence.” Fetterman emphasized that “we really gotta turn the temperature down.”

While I don’t expect politicians to lead us out of this alone, they do help set the tone. Admitting that he is not always right and has made mistakes, Cox quipped that “other politicians, I think, are making mistakes right now in trying to elevate the temperature.”

As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, we too have an opportunity to set the tone and bring the temperature down when family discussions get political. Maybe I’m a little naïve as well, but I truly hope we can all find a more constructive and respectful way to communicate with each other. I don’t intend to be dismissive of anyone’s beliefs or passions. We have found disagreement on everything for nearly 250 years, but I still pose the question—do we have it in us to be better? If we can do it within our families, then maybe we can do it within our communities. If we can do it within our communities, then maybe we can do it within our country.

I sincerely wish you all a joyful holiday season, and may you be blessed with good health, peace, and prosperity in the New Year!

AI-generated illustration via Microsoft Copilot

JUST RELEASED!

No coin embodies the spirit of America more than the Morgan Silver Dollar. From the Comstock Lode discovery that provided millions of ounces of silver to make them, to outlaws robbing stagecoaches in the Wild West to pay for their bar tabs and brothel visits, the hefty Morgan Silver Dollar holds a special place in American history.

It’s no wonder collectors and history buffs alike clamor to get their hands on them. That is, if they can get their hands on them.

Prized Last-Year Coins

Collectors love “lasts” as no collection is complete without the last coin struck. Last year coins are often hard to find and always in demand. Little did master engraver George T. Morgan know the legacy he was creating when he designed what has become known as “The King of Silver Dollars” but it came to an end 104 years ago with the last-year 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar, the most beloved coin in American history.

Public Release - Only 832 Coins Available

Rarcoa®, America’s Oldest Coin Company, is announcing the public release of 832 of the very last year 1921 Morgan Silver Dollars, struck at the iconic Philadelphia Mint. Each coin today comes in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, pristine as the day they were struck!

Hold 104 Years of American History

Struck in 1921, each coin is one hundred and four years old. Could Charles Lindbergh have carried your coin in his pocket during his flight across the Atlantic? Or maybe your great-grandfather carried it while storming the beaches of Normandy during World War II before ending up in a small coin shop in Tuscaloosa,Oklahoma. Each coin has its own unique history and you can hold 104 years of American history when you buy yours today!

A Miracle of Survival

Coin experts estimate that only 15%-20% of Morgans are still surviving today due to multiple mass-meltings over the years. The Pittman Act of 1918 melted over 270,000,000 coins, that’s almost 50% of all coins produced at the time. Untold quantities were melted in the 1980s and 2000s when silver prices rose up to $50 per ounce.

Sold Nationally for as much as $141

This same 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar sells elsewhere for as much as $141. But thanks to Rarcoa’s buying power and numismatic expertise, you can own one for as little as $69, in quantity while supplies last. That’s a difference of up to $72!

Because the precious metals market is always active and dynamic, prices may adjust to reflect the latest market opportunities.

BUY MORE AND SAVE!

Act now and you can SAVE BIG when you buy more! But don’t wait, our inventory won’t last long.

“NOT-FOR-PROFIT” MEANS “ALL FOR YOU”

It’s hard to imagine what our daily lives would be like without electricity. Every year, our dependence on what travels across poles and wires to our homes and businesses grows. We act as though electricity has always been there, take its presence for granted, and can’t imagine life without it. Even the shortest power outage manages to turn our world upside-down.

But 90 years ago, when President Franklin Roosevelt signed the executive order that created the Rural Electrification Administration (REA), nobody in America’s small towns and wide-open spaces took electricity for granted. That’s because most of them didn’t have access to it.

As the 19th Century drew to a close, wealthy investors were starting electricity utility companies in cities from coast to coast. Building power plants and installing power lines was costly, so investors focused their effort in places with the highest population density. Few gave any thought to rural America. Built-

up areas offered more customers in smaller spaces, which helped those utilities become highly profitable. Running power lines to serve a handful of consumers spread across so many thousands of acres just didn’t make economic sense, so most utilities ignored them. After all, they couldn’t make as much money serving those places.

Long after their city cousins became accustomed to enjoying the wonders of electric lighting and the earliest home appliances, folks in more remote areas could only dream about the convenience. The REA was created to change that, providing a source of expertise and financing for a new concept in energy: the rural electric power cooperative.

Besides the areas each served, the most important distinctions between those big utilities and the new co-ops involved who owned them and their purpose. As the name implies, investor-owned utilities are owned by people who buy stock in the utilities. The primary goal of those utilities is to make money to

distribute to their investors through dividends and generate higher pershare prices to increase those investors’ wealth.

Electric cooperatives are built and owned not by investors, but by the very people they serve. They’re led by boards of local residents who are elected by their neighbors to represent them and are responsible for acting in the members’ best interests.

The primary goal of a co-op isn’t to make money, but to provide a safe and reliable source of electricity at a cost the local community can afford. As not-for-profit organizations, they receive their money from members when they pay electric bills, then use most of that money to purchase and deliver electricity. They typically set aside some money for the future and emergency needs. And, because they employ local people who patronize local businesses, much of the money they earn stays in the communities they serve, boosting the local economy.

Most co-ops purchase electricity on the wholesale power market and turn around and sell it to members at

a slight markup designed to cover the costs associated with operating the co-op and maintaining the infrastructure for delivering power. That’s why co-ops don’t make more money when you use more power, or when wholesale prices increase. It’s also why they are dedicated to helping their members reduce energy consumption and lower their power bills.

When co-ops earn more than they pay out in wholesale energy and other costs, they keep some the extra money in reserves or return it to their members through what are known as capital credits.

Because co-ops exist to serve their members and not profit-hungry investors, they have an obligation to keep the price of electricity as low as possible. When members spend less for their electricity, they have more money to use on what’s important to them.

Co-ops also work to support the area’s economic health through activities designed to bring new employers to the community and help existing businesses expand. That’s particularly important, because many of the

areas served by co-ops face economic challenges. One in four households on co-op lines nationally has an annual income of below $35,000, making keeping rates affordable a key priority.

When the leaders of investorowned utilities make decisions, their first thought is how those choices will affect the price of their company’s stock. When co-op leaders make decisions, they’re focused on doing the best thing for their members. Instead of trying to impress Wall Street, co-ops want to make sure they’re meeting your needs for power at the best price possible. That’s because they’re truly not for profit––instead, they’re for you and your neighbors.

For more than four decades, business writer Scott Flood has worked with electric cooperatives to build knowledge of energy-related issues among directors, staff and members. Scott writes on a variety of energy-related topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric co-ops.

(Facing page) In 1935, the REA was created to help bring electricity to rural communities, providing a source of expertise and nancing for a new concept in energy. The primary goal of a co-op isn’t to make money, but to provide a safe and reliable source of electricity at a cost the local community can a ord. Electric co-ops employ local people who patronize local businesses, so much of the money they earn stays in the communities they serve, boosting the local economy.

WATER HEATER WOES

If your water heater is 10–15 years old, it’s time to start planning and budgeting for a replacement to avoid emergency repairs and potential damage to your home. A steamy bathroom mirror after a hot shower is a familiar sight—but you can reduce hot water use by installing a high-performance aerator showerhead.

Q: How can I tell if my water heater needs repair or replacement?

A: We’ve all gotten used to having reliable hot water in our homes. Nobody wants to get caught off guard with an unexpected cold shower or failed water heater. I tend to live in the “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” school of thought, but a failed water heater can cause damage to your home and property. Emergency replacement of a water heater can add unnecessary cost, not to mention inconvenience. Evening or weekend replacement or repair can lead to higher costs charged by a plumbing company.

Here are some signs that your storage water heater might be approaching the end of its life.

The typical lifespan of a storage water heater is 10 to 15 years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If your water heater is older than that, plan

to replace it soon. Don’t have records of when it was installed? No problem. Find the serial number on the water heater’s sticker or metal plate. Look up the serial number online or call the manufacturer to find its age.

Sediment or water on the floor or at the bottom of the water heater could mean its days are numbered. Sediment can be a sign of corrosion, which leads to a leak or failure.

Seeing rusty or discolored water when you turn on your faucets can be a sign the tank is rusting inside. If water is not getting as hot as it used to, it could be a sign of a failing electric element or a gas burner not functioning properly.

Odd noises could indicate an issue with the components. If you’re hearing unusual noises from your water heater, schedule a checkup with a plumber. Well-functioning water heaters typically don’t make

much noise.

A professional plumber may be able to replace failing components. If you are having issues with the tank itself, it’s likely time for a new unit.

If you’re in the market for a new water heater, a heat pump water heater might be a good fit for your home. These systems are two to three times more energy efficient than conventional electric-powered tank water heaters, according to the DOE. A federal tax credit is available until Dec. 31. You can claim 30% of the project cost, up to a maximum of $2,000, for the installation of an Energy Star heat pump water heater. If your water heater is past its useful life or showing any signs of failure, consider investing in a new one before the end of the year. You might also be eligible for rebates from your state or electric cooperative.

Even if your water heater is in great shape, you can save at home by lowering your hot water use. Some easy ways to do this are washing laundry in cold water and installing high-performance aerators on faucets and showerheads to reduce the amount of hot water you use. If you have time-of-use rates, you can save by installing a timer on your water heater to prevent it from operating during peak energy use hours, typically in the mornings and evenings. It also helps lower the strain on your electric utility.

Knowing the signs of water heater failure can save you from home damage and offer opportunities to explore options for more efficient equipment to lower your electric use.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company. She has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy at home, and she 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.

YOUR SOURCE FOR POWER. AND INFORMATION. Visit us at : WWW.TOUCHSTONEENERGY.COM

KEEP COZY THIS WINTER

When temperatures drop, household expenses can climb. Try these simple, low-cost or no-cost tips for keeping your home comfortable and energy bills manageable.

Use the sun to your advantage. Open curtains on the south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close the curtains at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.

Adjust your thermostat. When you are asleep or out of the house, turn the thermostat back to save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. A smart or programmable thermostat can make it easy. But make sure the temperature is comfortable for pets!

Keep the warm air circulating with ceiling fans. Just make sure the blades are switched to turn clockwise, which produces an updraft and moves the warm air that collects near your ceiling down into the rest of the room.

Watch your window coverings. Use a heavyduty, clear plastic sheet on a window frame or clear plastic lm on the inside of window frames during the cold winter months. Install tight- tting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.

Keep the replace damper closed unless a re is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to go right up the chimney.

Eliminate leaks and drafts with caulking or weatherstripping. Use caulk for cracks and openings between stationary objects like door and window frames, and use weatherstripping around anything that moves, like the door itself or window sashes.

Brown and Wild Rice Stu ed Squash

Recipe and photo courtesy of USA Rice.

3 (1 lb each) medium acorn squash, halved lengthwise, seeds/membrane removed

2 Tbsp canola oil, divided

3/4 tsp salt, divided

1/4 tsp black pepper

3 Tbsp pure maple syrup, divided

1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped onion

Maple Syrup MAGIC

1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped red or green bell pepper

1/4 cup hulled pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts

2 cups hot cooked brown rice

1 cup hot cooked wild rice

1 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp dried pepper akes, optional

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly brush the squash halves with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Place squash, cut side down, on a large foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes; remove from oven. Turn squash over, season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and black pepper. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon syrup in each squash cavity. In a large bowl, stir together the chopped onions, bell pepper, and remaining oil. Arrange onion mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet surrounding the squash. Bake for 20 minutes or until the onions begin to lightly brown on edges. Add seeds or nuts to the baking sheet, continue baking for 5 minutes, or until squash is tender when pierced with a fork. Place the squash on a serving platter. If time allows, stir the onion mixture on the foil and fold up edges of the foil to seal. Let stand 10 minutes to allow vegetables to absorb avors and release some of their natural juices. Combine the onion mixture with the brown rice, white rice, cumin, nutmeg, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and dried pepper akes in the same large bowl used to toss the onion mixture. Mound equal amounts of the rice-vegetable mixture in each squash half. Drizzle 1 teaspoon maple syrup around the outer edges of each squash. Makes 6 squash halves and 4 cups lling total. Serves 6 (1 squash half and 2/3 cup lling per serving).

RECIPES

Maple Bacon Popovers

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wheat Foods Council via the Home Baking Association.

Maple Bacon Popovers are light, airy rolls with a crisp exterior and tender, custardy center, made from a rich egg batter much like Yorkshire pudding. Baked in large mu n tins, these popovers rise impressively, creating a light and airy center. Infused with the smoky-sweet combination of crispy bacon and pure maple syrup, each bite o ers a savory-sweet contrast that’s both comforting and indulgent. Serve warm for a unique twist on breakfast or as a delightful side.

1 cup finely chopped thick-cut bacon slices

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, divided 1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp kosher salt

3/4 cup whole milk, warmed gently 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, plus extra for brushing and serving on the side

4 large eggs, room temperature

Preheat oven to 425 degrees with oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Cook chopped bacon in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until crisp and golden, approx. 5–7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Allow drippings to cool slightly in skillet, approx. 5 minutes; pour into a small heatproof bowl. Add 2 tablespoons melted butter to drippings; stir to combine. Spoon 1 teaspoon drippings mixture into each cup of a 12- or 6-cup popover pan or large muffin pan. Place pan in oven to heat until hot. Stir together flour and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk together milk, maple syrup, eggs, and remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large bowl. Gradually whisk flour mixture into egg mixture until almost smooth; fold in cooked bacon. Transfer the batter to a large pourable measuring cup (making it easier to fill the popover cups). Carefully remove hot pan from the oven. Pour batter into hot popover cups, filling each two-thirds full. Bake in preheated oven until popovers are puffed and golden brown, approx. 18–20 minutes. Lightly brush tops with additional maple syrup. Remove from pan and serve immediately, preferably with warm syrup to pour over the inside of the popover. Makes 12 small or 6 large servings.

1 Tbsp olive oil

4 chicken thighs

4 chicken drumsticks

3/4 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

2 cups diced butternut squash (1/2-inch pieces)

Pan Roasted Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts

16 Brussels sprouts (approx. 8 oz), bottoms trimmed, outer leaves removed, and halved

1-1/2 cups chicken stock

2 Tbsp maple syrup

2 tsp Dijon mustard

In a sauté pan large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pan, skin side down, and sauté for approx. 4–5 minutes per side or until chicken is browned. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add butter. Allow the butter to melt over medium heat. Add squash and Brussels sprouts to the pan and sauté, tossing occasionally, until the outsides are golden brown, (approx. 3–4 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside separate from chicken. Turn heat to high and add stock, maple syrup, and mustard. Stir and bring to a boil, stirring to scrape up the brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Add chicken back to the pan, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for approx. 20–25 minutes or until chicken registers 170 degrees with an instant-read thermometer. Add vegetables back to the pan, cover again, and cook for another 8–10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Remove chicken and vegetables to a serving platter, placing vegetables around chicken. Turn heat to high and boil sauce until it is reduced and slightly thickened, approx. 2–3 minutes. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve. Serves 4.

Gluten-Free Blueberry

Oat Pancakes with Lemon Maple Syrup

Recipe and photo courtesy of the US Highbush Blueberry Council.

1 banana (1/2 cup), mashed

2 large eggs

1/3 cup gluten-free oats

1/2 cup fresh blueberries

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 tsp lemon zest (optional)

Combine banana, eggs, and oats and let stand 10 minutes to thicken. Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Spoon mixture, 2 tablespoons at a time, onto skillet and top with some of the blueberries. Cook until browned, approx. 1–2 minutes. Turn and cook an additional 1 minute or until cooked through. Combine maple syrup and lemon zest and serve with pancakes, if desired. Makes 4 servings; 8 small (approx. 3-inch diameter) pancakes total.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the National Chicken Council.

READER RECIPES

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/.

Quick and Easy Kit-Kat Bars

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.

1 cup crushed graham cracker crumbs 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Boil sugar, butter, and milk together for 1 minute. Immediately add graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and nuts (if using).

1 (14.4 oz) box graham crackers

Mom’s Pineapple Cookies

1 cup chocolate chips

Line a 9-x13-inch pan with whole graham crackers. Pour filling mixture over them and cover with another layer of whole graham crackers; press in gently. Allow to cool.

Fruit and nuts were always a special part of Christmas. I lost my mom at a young age, and this recipe keeps her alive and remembered every year. It’s one of my favorites.

SEND RECIPES TO:

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

2/3 cup peanut butter Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together over low heat. Cover with a thin layer of icing and cut into squares.

Cookies

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cups brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

1 egg

1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple; juice reserved 1/2 tsp baking soda

2 cups our 1/2 tsp baking powder

No-Bake Cherry Balls

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened 1 (13.5 oz) box graham cracker 1 (16 oz) jar Maraschino cherries, drained and stems removed

Place butter and confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl in your lap and slowly work the butter into the sugar with a fork. (The heat from your lap will help speed the process.) Blend in the almond extract and shredded coconut, then the graham cracker crumbs. Mix well. Drain the cherries well by placing them onto a paper towel for approx. 30 minutes. Pour the graham cracker crumb mixture into a shallow bowl or plate with a rim. Place about a teaspoonful of the graham cracker crumbs into your cupped palm and make a small dent in the center of it with your knuckle. Place a cherry in the indentation and quickly start rolling it around, as if making a meatball. Continue rolling until the cherry is completely covered. Place it onto the plate with the graham cracker mixture and roll it around further for extra coverage on all sides. Leave it on the plate as you continue to make more balls. The crumbs will create a crust that will harden. When the plate begins to get crowded, move the first batch to a container. Do not layer them or they will get flat edges. Store in the refrigerator or freezer for a few hours or up to 6 months. Note: These make a pretty accent to a holiday cookie box when placed in decorative mini-muffin papers.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and grease / prepare your cookie sheets for baking. Cream the shortening, white and brown sugars, vanilla, and salt together. Add the egg, crushed pineapple, and baking soda. Blend the our and baking powder together and mix into the pineapple mixture. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop onto a buttered sheet pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Icing

1/2 stick butter

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 egg white or reserved pineapple juice

1/2 cup nuts of choice, nely chopped

Heat butter until melted. Blend in powdered sugar, vanilla, and egg white or reserved pineapple juice. Spread icing onto cooled cookies. Sprinkle nuts on top of freshly frosted cookies.

Raspberry Fancies Barbara RaspberryScheflkiFancies

Sift together flour, sugar, and cardamom. Cut in butter until mixture resembles a coarse meal. Press together with hands, kneading until dough sticks together. Form into a ball, flatten, and wrap in waxed paper. Chill for 1 hour. Roll a portion of dough onto a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. With cookie cutters, cut an even number of each design; transfer to cookie sheets. Bake at 325 degrees for 10–12 minutes. Let stand a few minutes before removing to wire racks to cool.

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 Tbsp butter, softened

1 jar raspberry preserves Red and green candied cherries for decorating, chopped

To prepare frosting, beat confectioners’ sugar, butter, and milk together until of spreading consistency. Spread one cooled cookie with raspberry preserves and top with a second matching cookie to create a sandwich. Spread frosting over the top half and decorate with candied cherries. Makes 2 dozen 2-1/4-inch cookies.

1 Tbsp sorghum (or molasses) 1 egg

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cloves

Shortbread Cookies

Hazel Hendrickson, Viroqua

1 lb butter, room temperature

2 tsp vanilla extract

Sugar or chopped nuts for decorating 3/4 tsp baking soda

8 cups flour

Beat butter, 3/4 cup sugar, and vanilla together with an electric mixer until well-blended and creamy. Fold in the flour and mix together until workable. Divide the dough into 3 equal parts and roll into logs. Each log may be rolled in sugar or nuts to coat the outside. Slice logs into 1/4-inch-thick cookies and bake at 375

1 stick butter or margarine 1 (3.5 oz pkg) pistachio-

Cream together butter, sugar, and sorghum or molasses; add egg. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Form into 1-inch balls and bake on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.

1 egg

1/2 tsp baking soda

Pistachio Chip Cookies

Lois Knutson, Onalaska

1 cup vanilla chips or chocolate chips

1 jar maraschino cherries

Mix all ingredients together except for cherries and red decorating sugar; dough will be dry. Drop by the spoonful onto a baking sheet. Top each cookie with one maraschino cherry or red sugar. Bake for approx. 10–12 minutes at 350 degrees. Yields approx. 2 dozen cookies. Note: No sugar was added in the recipe because it is included in the pudding mix.

REINDEER ACRES

HOLIDAY CHEER TAKES FLIGHT

The magic is real each holiday season—when reindeer y, elves work in the workshop, and Santa’s sleigh ies across the sky. At Reindeer Acres in Boyceville, Matt Feeney has made it his mission to preserve that wonder for as long as possible. “May you never be too old to look to the skies on Christmas Eve” is the farm’s tagline, a sentiment that perfectly captures the spirit of this Dunn Energy Cooperative member destination.

Feeney’s fascination with reindeer began early. “When I was a kid, I saw a reindeer at a game farm in Menomonie, and I remember them clicking as they walked up to the fence,” he recalls. “I told my dad I was going to have reindeer. He said absolutely not.” But dreams have a way of sticking. Years later, after proposing to his wife, Tessa, during a sleigh ride while dressed as Santa, the Feeneys inherited her family’s farm and transformed it into a holiday haven.

Matt and Tessa, both medical professionals by day, launched Reindeer Acres in 2017. By 2022, they welcomed their first two reindeer, Comet and Vixen. “We got them when they were calves; they were bottle-fed,” Feeney says. “Now we have 16 reindeer, two traveling teams, and a full guest center with a gift shop, snack shop, train rides, and even a magical elevator to the North Pole.”

The entire experience of Reindeer Acres is designed to reinforce the magic of Christmas. Guests can feed and pet reindeer, meet Santa, enjoy festive treats, and craft ornaments to take home. The highlight for many is the elevator ride to the North Pole—a story-driven journey that ends with a private visit with Santa in his living room.

Feeney emphasizes the importance of storytelling in creating magic. “Everything has a backstory. Everything is real in our storytelling. That helps keep the magic going,” he says. One of the farm’s prized possessions is the DawnRacer, Santa’s sleigh, which is actually an original 1848 sleigh from Albany, New York. “It was kind of like the

Cadillac sleigh back in the day,” Feeney says. “It was a barn find. I stumbled across it online and had it shipped to our farm.”

The farm partners with local schools to offer hands-on learning experiences. “We’ve been to the elementary school three times,” Feeney shares. “Every class gets to learn about reindeer and take a class photo. We talk about their Arctic adaptations and throw in some Christmas magic too.”

The farm also ensures accessibility. “We’ve made everything ADA compliant,” Feeney says. “Our train, bathrooms, and barns are all accessible. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the magic.”

Feeney’s dedication to authenticity extends to the Santas he hires. Each year, he invites professional Christmas performers to the farm for a photo shoot and informal interviews. “Most Santa actors have never interacted with reindeer,” he explains. “We look for that magic spark. Our Santas are either realbearded or have designer beards— you can’t tell the difference.”

One of Feeney’s favorite memories from the farm’s early

days involves his son and a snowball. “My son and his friend were dressed as elves, having a snowball fight,” he recalls. “They accidentally hit a kid in line. I told them to have fun but be careful. Then the kid tugged on his mom’s arm and said, ‘Mom, there are real elves running around!’ That’s the magic we’re trying to create.”

Additionally, the Flight Team, Reindeer Acres’ traveling reindeer crew, brings the enchantment of the farm to communities across Wisconsin. From parades to school visits, the team is in high demand. “We’re usually booked for the season by the end of August,” Feeney says. “People aren’t thinking about Christmas in the summer, but we are.”

Reindeer Acres is open Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the holiday season, with expanded hours the week before Christmas. General admission is $30 per person (children two and under are free), which includes access to the reindeer stables, train ride, craft table, and more. The North Pole elevator experience is an additional $100 for a family of four.

Feeney encourages visitors to dress for the weather. “The train isn’t heated,

but the passenger cars are enclosed. Inside the barn and guest center, it’s warm and cozy.”

Looking ahead, Reindeer Acres continues to grow. Next year, the farm will introduce mini Highland cattle and expand its birthing facilities for reindeer calves. “We’re always expanding,” Feeney says. “We want people to walk away and say, ‘That was a memory I’m not gonna forget.’”

For Feeney, the mission is personal. “This is 100% out of our pocket. It’s a family business. Christmas is the time of year when imagination

takes over and happiness is on everyone’s mind. If we can help people hold onto that magic a little longer, it’s all worth it.”—Dana Kelroy

Reindeer Acres is located at N13361 220th Street, Boyceville, Wisconsin 54725. More information is available by calling 715-308-7524 or by visiting their website at Reindeeracres.com. Feeney suggests visitors purchase tickets before their visit from the website.

“I never expected it to be so beautiful that it takes your breath away.”
— Kaya C., on Stauer Opals

In a quaint village, nestled between rolling hills, lived a young woman with a deep appreciation for gemstones. Her grandmother gifted her a delicate cross pendant adorned with opals. e opals shimmered with a mesmerizing play of colors, reflecting hues of blues, greens, and fiery oranges. Her grandmother shared the legend of the opals, believed to bring hope, purity, and luck to those who wore them.

Using this story as inspiration, Stauer brings you the Opal Spirit Cross Pendant. With over 2 total carats of Kyocera lab-created opals set in .925 sterling silver encased in yellow gold, this pendant is a radiant celebration of beauty and craftsmanship. Each opal captivates with a kaleidoscopic dance of fiery oranges blending into oceanic blues, streaked with flashes of vibrant green that seem to come alive with every movement. e shimmering opals are skillfully arranged to create an enchanting, otherworldly glow, embodying the spirit of hope and harmony. is breathtaking combination of color and craftsmanship is available as a limited availability of only 930 pieces, making it a rare and treasured addition

to your jewelry collection. Plus, when you order today, you’ll receive the Opal Spirit Cross Pendant at an impossible price of just $59 normally $149!

Don’t miss your chance to own this exclusive tribute to timeless elegance and meaningful symbolism.

Jewelry Speci cations:

• Pendant: 2 ½ ctw. Kyocera lab opals and DiamondAura® accents. Yellow gold-finished .925 sterling silver setting

• Chain: 18" gold-clad .925 sterling silver chain

Opal Spirit Cross Collection

A. Pendant (2½ ctw) $149 $59* + S&P Save $90 B. 18" Gold Clad Chain $59* + S&P Pendant and Chain $208 $79* + S&P Best O er! *Special price only for customers using the offer code.

CLASSIFIEDS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

WANTED TO BUY: Model 1895 Winchester ri e, 30-06 caliber. Please call 715-765-4670.

CHIPPEWA VALLEY BEE EXPO. Held at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, April 11 and 12, 2026. Natural living pollinator information, food plots, bees, birds, butter ies. We cover all of nature, cooking with honey. Speakers’ presentations all days on various topics. See us at www.bee-expo.org or on Facebook Chippewa Valley Bee expo.

WANTED: COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR OLD WOOD AND METAL SIGNS. Any condition. Also, old motorcycle items and bell helmets. Call Jerry 920-373-3515.

HARDWOOD AND CONIFER SEEDLINGS AND TRANSPLANTS. Thousands available, Oaks, Maples, Hybrid Poplar, Hickory, Black eyed Susan, Cone owers, Bee Balm, Dogwoods, Elderberry, Cranberry, Balsam, Fraser Fir, Spruce, Pine, Cedar, Techny Arborvitae, Potted cedars, grafted and wild apple trees, 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.

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.

SAFETY

This year, show your loved ones how much you care by giving holiday gifts that will help keep them safe. Here are a few ideas:

l Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

l Flashlight with extra batteries for emergencies

l Roadside emergency kit

l Fire extinguisher for the kitchen

l Gift certi cates for home services (home maintenance, such as HVAC inspection or chimney sweeping)

l A pack of GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets and a gift certi cate for a quali ed electrician to install them

l A cozy electric blanket to replace an older one; those more than 10 years old are often unsafe

Source: safeelectricity.org

Plants & Shrubs

PROTECT WHAT MATTERS MOST

WISCONSIN EVENTS December 2025

2 Light Up the Town—Alma. Downtown area, 4–7 p.m. Holiday shopping, drawings, and festive decorations.

5, 6 Tree Lighting and Christmas Craft Sale—Wittenberg. WOWSPACE, Fri., 3–8 p.m., craft and bake sale; tree lighting at 7 p.m. with caroling, cookies, hot chocolate, and cider. Sat., 9 a.m.–1 p.m., craft and bake sale 715-253-3525.

6 Christmas Sale—Cable. United Church of Christ, Fellowship Hall, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Sale of gently used Christmas items. Decorations, linens, dishes, and books available with free will donation. For more info, contact the church at 715-798-3066.

6 Christmas Bazaar—Alma. St. John Lutheran Church, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Includes a luncheon, silent auction, raffles, crafts, and a bake sale.

6 Santa Visit and Bake Sale—Rio. Community Library, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. 920-992-3206.

6 Cookie Walk—Eau Claire. Christ Church Cathedral Fellowship Hall, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Get your holiday baking done the easy way! There will be a delicious assortment of holiday cookies and other baked goods for sale, sold by the pound.

6, 7 Christmas Open House—Mauston. Boorman House, 12–7 p.m. Hosted by the Juneau County Historical Society.

10 Grand Opening of Winter Wonderland: Festival of Trees and Wreaths—Wittenberg. WOWSPACE, 6–9 p.m. Step into a magical world of holiday cheer at this enchanting festival that celebrates the joy of the season. View creatively decorated trees and wreaths in unique, imaginative styles, and dazzling displays. Includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, raffles, and holiday music. Tickets are $25 and you must be 21+ for this event. 715-253-3525.

12 Hometown Christmas Parade— Tomahawk. Lineup is at 4:30 p.m.; parade 5–6 p.m. Starting at E. Wisconsin Ave. and traveling to Railway Street. Featuring UTV/ ATV’s. Theme is “snowmen.”

13 Christmas Parade—Phillips. Downtown area, 6:30 p.m. Following the parade, the Chamber will be hosting a meet and greet with Santa handing out goodie bags along with the annual tree lighting ceremony and games for children. 715-669-5528.

13 Cookie Walk—Alma. St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 9 –10:30 a.m. Select from a variety of cookies, baked goods, candies, etc. to share in celebrating the season! Cost is $7 per pound.

13 Cookie Walk—Suring. Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 9–11 a.m. Cookies and candy are $9 per pound; kringles are $8 each.

13 Cookie Walk and Soup and Sandwich Luncheon—Phillips. St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Choose from dozens of homemade cookies and candies for $10/lb; and luncheon is $10. Everyone welcome.

13 Winter Wonderland—Wittenberg. Fire Department, 3–9 p.m. A fun-filled afternoon and evening, including horse-drawn wagon rides, a holiday movie viewing, makeyour-own s’mores, and cookie decorating at the fire department.

30 Red Cross Blood Drive—Owen. Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Preregistration at 1-800-redcross is appreciated

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

OCTOBER When a stray cat had kittens at their place, Autumn convinced her dad to keep one. Photo submitted by Michele Sobeck, a member of Oconto Electric.

JUNE Alexis, Hanna, and Shelby enjoy a day with their goats. Photo submitted by Grandma Irene Dray, a member of Taylor Electric.

JANUARY Sam says “good morning” to his cows as they eat their breakfast. Photo submitted by Dan Flock, of Vernon Electric.

FEBRUARY Ben spends some quality pre-nap time with Great Pyrenees puppy Nala. Photo submitted by Scott Keltner, a member of Dunn Energy.

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

MAY Charlize gives Freedom a kiss. Photo submitted by Cassandra Haderly, a member of Bay eld Electric.

JULY Lula and Jack participate in the Stanley rodeo every year. Photo submitted by Debra Chwala, a member of Clark Electric and Eau Claire Energy.

MARCH Moses has a secret for Everleigh. Sadly, Moses passed away later that year. Photo submitted by Reid Zohfeld, a member of Oakdale Electric.

OCTOBER Wyatt helps feed the cows. Photo submitted by Joyce Hill, a member of Rock 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. Upload photos directly to the wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.