You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. That’s money in the bank and a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn how to tap into your buried treasure.
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 these upgrades when building a
The Price County Rodeo is a sell-out exhibition of cowboy skills and thrills.
Kids & Critters
Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.
Cover photo courtesy of Linda
SYMBOL SEARCH
HIDDEN OBJECT GAME
Winning our May search was Larry Somers, a member of Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative. He said, “The shovel is on page 21 as the plate design in the Beef Jerky and Spinach Pasta recipe. What a good reminder this month to call 811. Our family has used the 811 service before, and it truly is so much safer to know before digging.”
Now, we challenge you to nd this cowboy hat to remind you to read our Price County Rodeo story 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 June 10.
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
STILL BRINGING IN THE COWS
Our cover photo was submitted in 2023 as a kids and critters entry by Linda Nenning, a member of Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative. We knew it was too good not to use on the cover when we saw it.
Every June, we use the cover to honor Wisconsin’s dairy industry, and this photo of Emma, Josie, and Maci, taken by their mom, Elizabeth, was a perfect t.
Then, in late 2024, Linda sent us the recreated photo of the girls still bringing in the cows (above right).
Also a perfect t was that this image tied in with Rob Richard’s column on page 8. He talks about a new initiative taken on, in part, by Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives to foster growth in the state’s rural areas. To me, this photo is an excellent representation of the future of rural Wisconsin.
The initiative, the Rural Policy Institute (RPI), has a mission to “empower rural communities across the state by supporting rigorous research, fostering informed dialogue, and educating policymakers about solutions that drive generational growth and prosperity in our rural areas.”
We hope for a bright, rural future for Emma, Josie, and Maci and look forward to supporting e orts through RPI.
I also hope they remake this photo of the girls bringing in the cows for many years to come.
Dana Kelroy Editor
Every Henry Now Proudly Built
Henry Repeating Arms has always stood for American-made excellence. Now, we’re proud to announce that 100% of our manufacturing operations will take place in the great state of Wisconsin. Between our newly expanded, state-of-the-art headquarters in Rice Lake and additional facilities in nearby Ladysmith, our commitment to quality, innovation, American values, and supporting the hardworking communities of the great Badger State is stronger than ever.
We believe that where it’s made matters, and when you choose to buy a Henry rifle, shotgun, or revolver for hunting, plinking, teaching the next generation, or displaying in a place of pride, you are keeping our American traditions alive.
WECA Board Appoints Meistad
The WECA Board of Directors voted to appoint Kevin Meistad, Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative director, to fill the seat vacated by Steve Johnson, who passed away in April following a brief illness. Per WECA bylaws, the seat will be up for election at the 2025 district meeting this summer. The winner of the election will fulfill the remainder of Johnson’s term, which ends in 2026.
Meistad has completed his Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate, Board Leadership Certificate, and the Director Gold Certificate, which is the highest level of education for electric cooperative members. He serves as chair of the governance committee and is a member of WECA’s legislative committee.
The board also selected WECA Director Les Dokkestul of Jackson Electric Cooperative to serve as secretary/treasurer.
Trump Administration
A rms Dairyland’s Award
The Trump Administration last month affirmed Dairyland Power Cooperative’s $595 million New Empowering Rural America (New ERA) award. The award was announced in September 2024 by then-President Joe Biden at Vernon Electric Cooperative in the firstever visit by a sitting president to a Wisconsin electric cooperative.
Dairyland plans to use the funds to pursue more than 1,000 megawatts (MW) of power purchase agreements for clean energy projects in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The funding will also support transmission infrastructure projects to support a reliable grid.
NEWS BRIEFS
Shafer Wins 2025 Van Sickle Scholarship
Madeline Shafer of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services is the recipient of the Federated Youth Foundation’s $5,000 2025 Charles Van Sickle Endowment Scholarship. Shafer is a freshman at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she is studying political science and Spanish.
Shafer graduated as salutatorian from Spring Valley High School in 2024 and plans to attend law school to “advocate for and serve underrepresented individuals and communities in a collaborative and open-minded manner.”
The Van Sickle Scholarship was made possible by an endowment established in 2013 to honor Wisconsin’s renowned electric cooperative lobbyist and attorney, the late Charles Van Sickle. It is awarded by the Federated Youth Foundation to a student studying pre-law or law, with a preference for a student who has an interest in cooperative law.
Dairyland Secures Key Transmission Project
Dairyland Power Cooperative and GridLiance, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Transmission, announced they will jointly develop and co-own the MariBell Transmission Project, a 139-mile, 765 kV / 161 kV double circuit transmission line that runs from Marion, Minnesota, to Bell Center, Wisconsin. The 139-mile project is the middle segment of the North Rochester-Columbia 765 kV line and is part of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) Long Range Transmission Planning Tranche 2.1, which was approved in December 2024. The project is expected to be in service in 2034.
Power Breakfast Focuses on Data Centers
The Customers First Coalition (CFC) held its annual Power Breakfast recently in Madison. The event brought together utility leaders, regulators, lawmakers, and other industry leaders to talk about the impact of data centers, including the opportunities and challenges of the significant electric load growth.
WECA President and CEO Rob Richard, who also serves as president of the CFC board, introduced Eau Claire Energy Cooperative President and CEO and WECA Board Director Monica Obrycki to moderate a panel discussion titled, “Data Centers and Energy Use: Challenges and Opportunities.”
Co-op Leaders Attend Legislative Conference
More than thirty staff and directors from Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives traveled to Washington D.C., in April for the 2025 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Legislative Conference. They joined 2,000 electric co-op leaders from across the country, advocating for the industry in a very different environment than last year. The Wisconsin contingent had meetings with staff members from the offices of Senator Ron Johnson, Representative Derrick Van Orden, and Representative Glenn Grothman, and met directly with Senator Tammy Baldwin, Representative Tom Tiffany, Representative Scott Fitzgerald, and Representative Tony Wied.
Key topics discussed include grid reliability; permitting reform; EPA rules; wildfire mitigation (see page 10); rural infrastructure funding; elective pay tax credits; New ERA, PACE, and GRIP program awards that promote grid resilience; and FEMA disaster recovery resources.
LAUNCH OF RURAL POLICY INSTITUTE PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Born out of a strategic planning session idea nearly six years ago, the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) embarked on a mission to connect and collaborate with fellow rural-centric Wisconsin organizations to better understand what is happening in the rural landscape. That lengthy process has led to the successful launch of a first-of-its-kind, nonpartisan policy institute that is solely dedicated to research and development of policies promoting generational prosperity for Wisconsin’s rural communities.
The Rural Policy Institute (RPI), ruralpolicyinstitute.org, is the brainchild of WECA, the Wisconsin Towns Association, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, and the Welch Group. All of us realized that we spend a great deal of time and effort fighting for issues that are critically important to our own members, and occasionally, we might find a particular issue that we could collaborate on together. Often enough our organizations may even have members that cross over and serve on each other’s local boards. With our rural-centric base of membership and the commonality of opportunities and challenges facing our rural folks, we concluded it was finally time for us to join forces in this endeavor.
“The convergence of rural energy, rural governance, and rural agriculture all coming together to seek innovative solutions and promote policies that will have a positive impact on our rural communities is an incredibly unique opportunity. I look forward to the challenge!”
Bob Welch, The Welch Group Executive Director, Rural Policy Institute
Still in its infancy, RPI will seek other interested parties to join us who share our mission to develop policies that will bring sustainable growth and prosperity to our rural communities. However, we have formed not to become just another lobbying entity at the State Capitol. Our mission is to “empower rural communities across the state by supporting rigorous
Mike Koles, Executive Director Wisconsin Towns Association
research, fostering informed dialogue, and educating policymakers about solutions that drive generational growth and prosperity in our rural areas.” RPI will develop, promote, and implement strategic policies capitalizing on the unique characteristics of rural areas while addressing key issues such as infrastructure, healthcare, workforce, education, and economic development, the urban-rural divide, and broadband accessibility, among others.
“For the rst time, leading rural voices will collaborate on a shared vision to address the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities. I believe this collaboration will lead to better policy and better outcomes for our rural residents.”
Once research projects are completed, RPI will engage and bring together community leaders, elected officials, and other stakeholders to collaborate on the findings, and stress that rural organizational advocacy will ultimately lead to the successful implementation of innovative policies. I am incredibly excited that we finally got RPI off the ground and I look forward to what we can accomplish working together.
To get a look at RPI’s first research project on the political rural/urban balance in Wisconsin, please go to our website at ruralpolicyinstitute.org.
Rob Richard WECA President and CEO
PREVENTING WISCONSIN WILDFIRES
What electric cooperatives are doing to keep you safe
It was dry and windy in October of 1871 when workers clearing forest land in the northeastern part of Wisconsin sparked a blaze that became an inferno. The Peshtigo Fire raged through parts of Oconto, Marinette, Shawano, Brown, Kewaunee, Door, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties, burning more than one million acres and killing 1,200 to 2,500 people (local records were burned in the fire, preventing an accurate count). It was, and still is, the deadliest wildfire in American history by far. In fact, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan are home to the nation’s top four deadliest wildfires. We know the deadly wildfires ravaging other parts of the nation can happen here because they have.
Most wildfires are caused by human error—when people burn debris or trash or start a campfire, it gets out of control. However, the
California wildfires, which have grabbed the nation’s attention in recent years, have shined a light on another source—utility infrastructure, such as powerlines or transformers. Especially during storms or high winds, combined with dry or drought conditions, the result can be catastrophic when electrified lines come into contact with branches or vegetation.
Investigators found California’s Camp Fire, which killed 85 people in 2018, was started by faulty PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric) equipment that led to a downed line, which sparked the blaze. In court, PG&E was deemed negligent for failing to adequately maintain its powerlines and equipment. The utility filed for bankruptcy protection, citing an expected $30 billion in liability claims, but ultimately settled for $13.5 billion and is still operating today.
Preventing a potentially catastrophic event is a priority for Wisconsin electric cooperatives, many of which report vegetation management, such as tree trimming, as well as fault detection and grid hardening, as the largest expense in their budget, second only to the purchase of wholesale power.
“Our annual budget for this type of mitigation work ranges from $400,000-$600,000, as we are completing our increased width right-of-way standards,” said Rob Dooley, president and CEO of St. Croix Electric Cooperative. “We have an aggressive five-year cycle for clearing rights-of-way that includes mechanical and chemical methods of ensuring our rights-of-way are clear and safe for power distribution. We also address fast-growing areas when needed.”
Dooley knows just how complex and critical wildfire mitigation can
1. Wisconsin electric co-op leaders met with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (in purple) in April at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. They asked for her support of the “Fix Our Forests” legislation. 2. Rob Dooley, president and CEO of St. Croix Electric Cooperative (right) discusses right-of-way management with a congressional sta er. Rob Richard, WECA president and CEO and Ryan Miller, CEO of Oconto Electric Cooperative look on. 3. Right-of-way vegetation management in progress.
be. He has worked his entire career for electric cooperatives, beginning in 1994. He has served as an apprentice lineman, journeyman lineman, assistant line superintendent, line superintendent, operations manager, interim CEO, and now president/CEO. He says increasing the right-of-way, or the area around the powerlines, and clearing the vegetation was necessary to safely accommodate large equipment and the extra clearance needed for three-phase lines. “This provides safety for our lineworkers and our members, and reduces the risk of potential problems,” Dooley said.
“We have had a few fires caused by tree-related outages throughout the years, and we are always worried about the potential for wildfires, especially during dry conditions. Besides our clearing efforts, we identify high-risk areas that we add to our construction work plan as a project to bury the lines to help mitigate outages in sensitive areas,” Dooley said.
Despite the cost, attention to wildfire mitigation is necessary, as Wisconsin wildfires are more common than you may think. We are just entering the summer season, and in 2025, the state already has hundreds of wildfires on record that burned more than 139,000 acres. As of May 5, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reports 635 total wildfires, including 36 caused by “power,” which means they were sparked by contact with the electrical transmission or distribution system. Power-related wildfires caused 5.7% of the total wildfires in Wisconsin so far this year, but they are responsible for almost 30% of the acres burned.
Power-caused wild res in Wisconsin, year-to-date. Image courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Wisconsin winters create conditions that are prime for wildfire danger when heavy snow weighs on tree limbs that can bend and break. However, clearing potential fire hazards can cause a conflict with landowners who oppose cutting and clearing on their property and may also protest spraying in the right-ofway to prevent the rapid growth of new vegetation.
“In my experience, taking the time to speak with members directly—whether in person or over the phone—goes a long way. When we clearly explain what the trimming and clearing will involve on their property, they are typically more receptive and appreciative. This kind of communication allows
them to visualize the process and better understand the critical role that right-of-way (ROW) management plays in ensuring safety—for themselves, their families, and the broader community,” said Justin Kobernick, vice president of operations for Zielies Tree Service, which works with 17 Wisconsin electric cooperatives on vegetation management. They handle not only the clearing but also work with landowners and document the process, which helps keep insurance costs down for members.
According to Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange, which provides insurance for 91% of the nation’s electric cooperatives, the cost of wildfirerelated liability insurance is on the rise, driven by an increase in costs. Wildfire-related claims averaged $1 billion annually from 2012–2016, but they’ve averaged $12 billion per year since then.
Federated closely monitors risk, which means making sure all necessary steps are taken to prevent a utility from wildfire liability, but that is sometimes outside of the control of the co-op. For example, when powerlines run across public lands, such as national forests, it can take months, or even years, for co-ops to get the permits needed to cut a single tree.
“This was one of our key issues at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C in April,” said Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) President and CEO Rob Richard. “We must resolve the challenges at the federal level that limit co-op wildfire mitigation efforts, including delays in permitting for vegetation management and cumbersome rules, such as requiring decaying trees and branches be left on the forest floor instead of removing the fire threat completely.”
Dooley was among the group of
about 30 Wisconsin co-op leaders that traveled to the nation’s capital for the Legislative Conference to meet with elected officials and talk about issues affecting electric co-ops and
“We must resolve the challenges at the federal level that limit co-op wild re mitigation e orts, including delays in permitting for
vegetation
management and cumbersome rules, such as requiring decaying trees and branches be left on the forest oor instead of removing the re threat completely.”
—Rob Richard, WECA president and CEO
their members, including the “Fix Our Forests” and “Fire Safe Electric Corridors” proposals, which would help clear the way for electric co-ops to do the critical maintenance work on public lands without unnecessary delays.
“As we look at the expenses that come along with this, as well as the safety factors, all of these expensive costs are impacting our members, so to help keep their rates down, we’re asking to please stop the roadblocks that we have when it comes to trimming in these areas and keeping it safe,” Dooley said in a meeting with Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), where he asked for her support of the “Fix Our Forests” legislation.
The “Fix Our Forests” bill passed the House by a vote of 279–141 and is now up for consideration in the Senate. While the bill has bipartisan support nationally, Wisconsin Republican U.S. Representatives (Van Orden, Fitzgerald, Steil, Grothman, Tiffany, and Wied) voted in favor, while U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (D-Madison) voted against, and U.S. Representative Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) did not vote on the issue.
There were no powerlines running through rural Wisconsin back in the 1870s, but the historic and catastrophic Peshtigo fire happened anyway. Smokey the Bear used to say, “Only you can prevent forest fires,” but it would help if everyone were on board, working with electric co-op leaders and pushing forward common-sense solutions to keep Wisconsin safe. This is one area where no one wants Wisconsin history to repeat itself.—Julie Lund
Powerlines running along a country road before right-of-way vegetation management (above left), and after (above right). Photos courtesy of Zielies Tree Service
EFFICIENCY TIPS FOR NEW HOMES
Q: What are some energy e ciency upgrades I should consider when building a new house?
A: Prioritizing energy efficiency when building a new home can create future savings and make living more comfortable. It might cost a little more upfront but will pay off in the long run.
Let’s explore two approaches: Following an energy efficiency certification plan or adding energy efficient designs and equipment to your construction project. There are several efficiency certifications available for new-construction homes that may qualify for discounted homeowner’s insurance, tax credits, and other incentives.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification ensures the home uses less energy while prioritizing sustainable resources and healthy indoor air quality. LEED-certified homes use 20% to 30% less energy than the average home—with some homes saving up to 60%—and can cost the same as non-LEED homes with proper planning, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.
Passive House certification requires the home to be so efficient it needs little to no heating and cooling equipment while remaining comfortable for its occupants. To achieve up to 90% less energy use than the average home, the certification focuses on maximizing the efficiency of the building envelope—all components that separate the indoors from the outdoors—including proper insulation levels, air sealing, and high-efficiency windows.
ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification for New Homes recognizes houses that are 20% more efficient than the average home and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 80%.
Although various certifications are available, you don’t have to follow a set guide. Consider adding these energy efficiency principles to your new home build.
Advanced framing techniques maximize the amount of insulated area and save on material costs in woodframed homes. This technique can save up to $500 for a 1,200-square-foot home and $1,000 for a 2,400-squarefoot home on material costs, between 3% to 5% on labor costs and up to 5% on annual heating and cooling costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Choose a contractor who is familiar with these techniques, and check with your local building officials to ensure compliance with local codes.
The importance of a home’s orientation is often overlooked. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, homes oriented to the path of the sun use less energy for heating and cooling to reduce energy bills and improve comfort.
If you are building or buying a new home that doesn’t allow options for orientation or framing, you might be able to request higher insulation levels in the attic. Increasing the insulation levels likely won’t cost much more for materials and labor, but it can help you use less energy and save money in the long run.
Heating and cooling equipment should be properly sized using energy modeling tools that calculate the home’s heating and cooling needs. Investing in a more efficient building envelope that is well insulated and air sealed can reduce the home’s heating and cooling load, making it possible to have a smaller, less expensive heating and cooling system. This saves money on equipment costs and lowers energy use.
Optimizing the efficiency of a new home requires a whole-house approach. Analyze all systems and how they work together to ensure maximum efficiency for a safe and comfortable home.
Miranda Boutelle writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric co-ops.
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Shrimp and Rice Casserole
Recipe courtesy of USA Rice and thefeedfeed.com.
Is there anything better than a creamy casserole? This cheesy Shrimp and Rice Casserole has avorful rice cooked in chicken broth, juicy shrimp, some Creole seasonings for a little kick, and just the right amount of melty cheese.
6 Tbsp of butter, divided
2-1/2 cups chicken broth
1-1/4 cups long-grain white rice
1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
DAIRY Delicious
1 tsp salt, divided
1 tsp black pepper, divided
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium bell pepper (green or red), diced
1 tsp fresh garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, cubed
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9-x13-inch casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of softened butter. Add the chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of butter, and rice to a medium-sized pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover tightly with a lid, and cook for approx. 17–20 minutes.
Peel and devein shrimp. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted. Add the shrimp and cook until it just turns pink on both sides, approx. 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter then add diced onions and bell pepper. Sauté until they start to soften, approx. 4–5 minutes. Stir in the fresh garlic, paprika, garlic powder, white pepper, and cayenne pepper, and cook for approx. 30 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream and add cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is melted. Add the cooked rice and shrimp to the cream cheese mixture. Stir and check for seasonings. If more salt needs to be added, add 1/4 teaspoon, about a pinch, at a time.
Pour the rice mixture into the casserole dish, top with the cheddar cheese, put it in the oven, and bake for approx. 30 minutes, until bubbly and warmed through. Let sit for approx. 5 minutes and serve. Makes 6 servings.
RECIPES
Warm Blueberry Bacon Cheese Dip
Recipe courtesy of the US Highbush Blueberry Council. Blueberry Bacon Cheese Dip is the unexpected but unmissable combination of sweet and savory avors that will be the talk of every party. Baked until it’s golden and bubbling, the dip features sweet-tart blueberries that make a delicious contrast to the smoky bacon, tangy garlic, and creamy cheddar. Fill out your charcuterie board with an assortment of crackers, salami, cheeses—and fresh blueberries for an extra boost of blue.
DIP
8 oz plain, low-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp light mayonnaise
2 Tbsp plain low-fat yogurt
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 cup fresh blueberries
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth; beat in heavy cream, mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until blended. Fold in blueberries and crumbled bacon. Spread mixture into a small greased 1-quart baking dish; top with cheddar cheese. Bake for approx. 15–20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
CHARCUTERIE BOARD ASSEMBLY
1 cup fresh blueberries
8 oz assorted crackers
4 oz assorted salami
4 oz Brie cheese
4 oz goat cheese
While the Blueberry Bacon Cheese Dip is in the oven, assemble fresh blueberries, crackers, salami, Brie, and goat cheese on a large board or platter; serve with dip. Alternatively, serve dip with baguette toasts instead of crackers.
Vanilla Honey Steamer
Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board at www.honey.com.
HONEY SIMPLE SYRUP
Honey
Hot water
Heat 2 parts honey to 1 part hot water in a saucepan over medium-low heat until the mixture reaches a simmer. Remove from heat and cool. Store at room temperature or refrigerate as desired. Lasts 4 weeks in the refrigerator. TIP: While the mixture is simmering, infuse the syrup with herbs, spices, citrus peels, or other aromatics, if desired. (Rosemary, grapefruit peel, peppercorn, pomegranate seeds, and vanilla bean are just some of the possibilities.) Cool and strain the infused syrup before using.
HONEY VANILLA SYRUP
8 fl oz Honey Simple Syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
STEAMER
Honey for drizzling
1 fl oz Honey Vanilla Syrup
Combine Honey Simple Syrup and vanilla extract in a bowl until fully integrated. Bottle and set aside for service. Cool syrup before using.
20 fl oz whole milk, infused with frosted corn flakes, to taste, and steamed Garnishes: whipped cream, frosted corn flakes crumbles, honey for drizzling
Drizzle the inside of a serving glass with a playful amount of honey. Combine Honey Vanilla Syrup and steamed milk in a glass mug. Follow with whipped cream, frosted corn flakes crumbles, and a drizzle of honey. Makes 2 servings.
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth*
Two Cheese Risotto with Onion
Recipe courtesy of the National Onion Association.
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup arborio rice
1 large or 2 small onions (approx. 2 cups chopped)
3/4 cup whole milk or light cream
1/2 cup (4 oz) crumbled Gorgonzola or grated Swiss 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chop onions. Heat oil in large saucepan. Add arborio rice and cook, stirring over medium heat for approx. 3 minutes or until fragrant and toasted. Stir in broth (or wine, if using) and onion, slowly bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes or until tender, stirring 2–3 times. In a separate saucepan, heat the milk with the Gorgonzola or Swiss cheese, stirring until cheese is softened. Add the milk-Gorgonzola/Swiss mixture and 1/2 cup Parmesan to the risotto. The consistency should be slightly soupy; if too dry, stir in more broth or milk and heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately as a side dish or refer to the suggestion below for serving this as a main dish. Makes 4 servings. NOTES: May substitute 1 cup white wine for 1 cup of broth, if desired.
PRESENTATION SUGGESTION (Optional)
4 radicchio lettuce cups
4 servings steamed asparagus or green beans, cut diagonally
1/2 red bell pepper, slivered
Chopped red onion
Sliced tomatoes (optional)
Spoon even amounts of risotto into the 4 lettuce cups, then top with remaining ingredients, and arrange tomatoes on the side, if using.
READER RECIPES
RAZZLE-DAZZLE BASIL SALAD
CHIP AND DEANNE SCZEPANSKI, WHITEHALL
5 cobs of sweet corn, boiled, corn kernels removed, and cooled 3 Tbsp oil (canola, olive, etc. for salads)
REQUESTS FROM OUR READERS
An online reader is looking for recipes using sorrel.
SEND TO: WECN, Reader Recipes, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200 or jennifer@weca.coop
3 Tbsp vinegar Salt and pepper, to taste 1 bunch fresh basil leaves, chopped
Mix oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper, and pour over corn in a bowl. Just before serving, add chopped fresh basil.
CHICKEN CORDON BLEU CASSEROLE
RECIPE COURTESY OF ANN LISCHKA, LOWELL
1 lb dry pasta, your choice
1 cup cooked chicken, chopped
1 cup cooked ham, cubed 1-1/2 cups milk
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook and drain pasta. In a large bowl, combine chicken, ham, and pasta. In medium saucepan, combine milk and cream cheese. Cook, stirring frequently over medium-low heat until the mixture is smooth. Stir the cream cheese mixture into the pasta mixture. Next stir in the Swiss cheese and season with salt and pepper. Transfer pasta mixture to a sprayed 9-x13inch casserole dish. Bake covered for approx. 25–30 minutes. Preheat broiler. Stir together breadcrumbs and melted butter. Top pasta mixture with the breadcrumbs. Broil casserole uncovered for approx. 4 minutes until the crumbs brown.
RHUBARB BARS
GARY AND GRACE CLARK, RICHLAND CENTER
FILLING
3 cups diced rhubarb
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 Tbsp cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1 tsp vanilla
CRUMBLE CRUST
1-1/2 cups oatmeal
1-1/2 cups our
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter, room temperature
3 Tbsp strawberry jam
Place all lling ingredients into a large saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Set aside.
Mix oatmeal, our, brown sugar, and butter into a crumble. Pat 3/4 of the crust mixture in the bottom of a 9-x13-inch cake pan. Pour the rhubarb lling mixture over the crust, spreading evenly. Heat the strawberry jam until somewhat runny, then drizzle over the rhubarb mixture, using a knife to make swirls. Sprinkle on the remaining 1/4 of the crumble mixture and bake at 350 degrees for 30–40 minutes.
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.
MOSTACCIOLI
RECIPE COURTESY OF PAULA DAMISCH, HAYWARD
1 lb hot Italian sausage
1 cup onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp pepper
2/3 cup water
Spray oil for baking
2 (15 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes
1 lb mostaccioli noodles, cooked al dente and drained, divided
3 cups mozzarella, shredded
1 (16 oz) container cottage cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
In a large saucepan, brown the Italian sausage and break up pieces with a potato masher; drain and set aside. Sauté the onion and add garlic, oregano, and pepper; cook an additional minute. Add the sausage, water, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste; simmer covered on medium-low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spray a 9-x13-inch baking pan with oil. Place a layer of half of the cooked mostaccioli noodles on the bottom of the pan; coat with a layer of half of the tomato-meat sauce, half of the mozzarella, and the entire container of cottage cheese. Continue layering with noodles, sauce, and mozzarella, and sprinkle Parmesan over the top layer of mozzarella. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for approx. 30–45 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. Let sit for approx. 5–10 minutes before serving. NOTE: This dish freezes well. Cover with foil and bake from frozen at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Remove foil the last 30 minutes of baking.
MINNESOTA CASSEROLE
RECIPE COURTESY OF ANN STRADINGER, RICHLAND CENTER
This was one of my son’s great grandmother’s recipes. She was a great cook!
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.5 oz) can minestrone soup concentrate
1 (28 oz) can chopped tomatoes with juice
1/2 tsp salt (optional)
1/4 tsp pepper (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown the ground beef then drain o excess fat; add the onion and cook until translucent. Grease the inside of a 3-quart (or larger) casserole dish; add all ingredients and mix well. There should be at least 1 inch of headspace above all the ingredients. Cover and bake for approx. 1 hour, stirring occasionally or until the potatoes are tender. If there seems to be a lot of liquid remaining, remove the cover for the last 15 minutes of baking; serve.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ROOM AIR CONDITIONER
For homes without a central air-conditioning system, a room or window air conditioner is a great option for keeping a house comfortable through summer’s heat. These units are meant to cool rooms rather then entire homes, so they’re less expensive to operate than a central system. Follow these tips to get the most e cient use of your room air conditioner:
Size it Right!
Use the proper size air conditioner for the room. An oversized unit will perform less e ciently and e ectively by cooling the room to the temperature set-point before proper dehumidi cation occurs, making the air feel clammy. An air conditioner generally needs 20 Btu for each square foot of space.
Can You Take it Higher?
Set your air conditioner’s thermostat as high as is comfortable. The smaller the di erence between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling costs will be.
On the Level
When you install your room air conditioner, make sure the unit is level so the inside drainage system and other mechanisms work properly. Follow manufacturer’s directions carefully during installation.
Lower Fan for Lower Humidity
Set the fan speed on high unless the weather is very humid. On high-humidity days, set the fan speed on low. The slower air movement through the cooling equipment will remove more moisture from the air.
Keep it Clear
Keep your air conditioner’s thermostat clear of any heatproducing items such as lamps or televisions. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which could cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
Fan Power
Room air conditioners are not designed to cool entire homes. Running multiple window units at once is less e cient and more expensive than running a central AC system. Using a fan along with your room unit can help spread the cooled air farther without greatly increasing your electricity use.
Source: energy.gov
PRICE COUNTY RODEO
SELL-OUT EVENT IS AN EXHIBITION OF COWBOY SKILLS AND THRILLS
Hazer. Header. Healer. Hooey. Attendees may want to brush up on their rodeo lingo before heading to one of the most popular events in the Northwoods this Fourth of July weekend. The Price County Rodeo is proving to be a hot ticket each year.
Held in Phillips at the Price County Fairgrounds on July 4 and 5, this community-oriented event is not just a hugely popular summer draw, it’s a boon for Phillips and the surrounding communities.
“We made the decision to move it to the 4th of July weekend because Phillips (and Price County) is such a huge tourist town that it would always give me a revolving door of spectators. It’s been massively successful ever since,” said Alexis Baratka Schienebeck, Price County Rodeo president.
Aside from the rodeo, The Phillips Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a parade, reworks, bingo, a 5K race, and an arts and crafts sale that weekend. Price Electric Cooperative is an active chamber member and sponsor of the rodeo.
“Commitment to community is one of the seven cooperative principles, so supporting community events such as the Price County Rodeo is part of Price Electric’s DNA. These events strengthen the bonds within our community by celebrating local traditions and promoting a sense of unity and pride,”
Hazer: In steer wrestling, the cowboy who helps keep the steer running straight for the bulldogger.
Header: In team roping, the rst rider to rope the steer.
Heeler: In team roping, the second rider to rope the steer.
Hooey: The knot used to tie a calf’s legs together in tie-down roping.
Price Electric Cooperative President and CEO Jeff Olson said. “By investing in these events, we not only contribute to the economic vitality of our region but also reaffirm Price Electric’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all our members.”
Established in 2020, the rodeo has had sell-out crowds for most of that time. Schienebeck strongly urges attendees to purchase tickets well in advance.
“I can’t promise that we’ll have tickets the week of the rodeo,” she said. “We’ve had our biggest presale tickets already. With any business, it’s fun to see it grow, but this has really caught fire.”
Price County Thrills
The Price County Rodeo is a professional rodeo accredited by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association
(WPRA) and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). However, unlike other professional athletes, a paycheck is not guaranteed.
“If the cowboy gets bucked off, he loses his payday. It’s not like football where if the quarterback misses a pass, he still gets paid,” said Schienebeck.
The rodeo features eight main rodeo events: bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, tiedown roping (also called calf roping), team roping, steer wrestling (also called bulldogging), breakaway roping, and barrel racing.
The most popular event is bull riding, but Schienebeck says folks also like bareback riding and barrel racing.
“My favorite event of the rodeo is saddle bronc riding,” she said. “I like it because there’s a lot of technique
and elegance that go with it. It’s one of the oldest events in rodeo. I like the classiness; the horses are a bigger set of horses. Saddle bronc riding has always been my favorite.”
Schienebeck stresses that there is something for everyone at the rodeo, from young to old. Each performance will include mutton busting, where kids ride a runaway sheep. Also popular is the rodeo clown and specialty entertainment, which last year was dirt bike trick riding. This year’s specialty entertainment is Roman Riding, where the performer will stand on the backs of two horses with one foot on each horse and ride them around the arena.
Rodeo Roots
In addition to organizing and running the rodeo, Schienebeck is a professional rodeo contestant herself. She is a barrel racer who
competes across the United States but got her start as a kid at the fair.
“My mom and dad took me to the local fair, and I went into the horse barn and got hooked on horses,” she said. “It just kind of snow-balled like any sport with kids like that.”
She started doing Western pleasure, but Schienebeck said, “I didn’t like going slow. I like going fast.” She continued competing at shows across the Midwest, had a few horses, and ultimately purchased an American Quarter Horse named Lucy.
“We invested in another horse [Lucy], and she took me to the highest levels that I never thought I’d be able to go to,” she said. “When I turned 18, I decided, ‘Let’s rodeo.’” Schienebeck turned pro in 2016 and earned the 2017 WPRA Rookie of the Year for The Great Lakes region.
Rodeo gives back Since 2020, the Price County Rodeo has donated more than $25,000 to local organizations, appeared at school and church events, and supported local 4-Hers.
Local community groups volunteer for the event, and the rodeo donates some of the proceeds back to them. Duties include setting up the grounds, parking cars, selling beverages, taking tickets, and basically everything that goes into running a rodeo.
“We love to be hugely involved in the community,” said Schienebeck. And the community gives back. Schienebeck said the event is possible because of local business sponsorships like from Price Electric Cooperative and the Champion Rodeo Partner, the Price County Tavern League.
The rodeo has also received its share of accolades, including the 2024 WPRA Small Rodeo of the Year, a national honor.
“It’s voted on by the contestants and rodeo personnel on multiple different things between hospitality, how the arena was set up, if we had a safe atmosphere for them,” said Schienebeck.
“When you come to the Price County Rodeo, you can watch a historic event. Rodeo is old-school, western, and competitive,” said Schienebeck, “There’s a lot of action, a ton of patriotism, and good family fun.” —Dana Kelroy, photos courtesy of Price County Rodeo and Cardenas Captures.
The Price County Rodeo will be held July 4 &5, 2025, at the Price County Fairgrounds at N9130 Forest Lane, Phillips, WI 54555. Tickets will sell out, so purchase tickets in advance from www.pricecountyrodeo.com. For more information, call 715-661-2590.
Rodeo 101
ROUGHSTOCK EVENTS
In the roughstock events of bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding, a contestant’s score is equally dependent upon his performance and the animal’s performance. To earn a quali ed score, the cowboy must stay aboard a bucking horse or bull for eight seconds while using only one hand. If the rider touches the animal, himself, or any of his equipment with his free hand, he is disquali ed.
In saddle bronc and bareback riding, a cowboy must “mark out” his horse; that is, he must exit the chute with his spurs set above the horse’s shoulders and hold them there until the horse’s front feet hit the ground after the initial jump out of the chute. Failing to do so results in disquali cation.
Two judges each score a cowboy’s quali ed ride by awarding 0 to 25 points for the rider’s performance and 0 to 25 points for the animal’s effort. The judges’ scores are then combined to determine the contestant’s score. A perfect score is 100 points.
TIMED EVENTS
In the timed events of steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and steer roping, cowboys and cowgirls at “the other end of the arena” compete against the clock, as well as against each other. A contestant’s goal is to post the fastest time in his or her event. In steer wrestling and the roping events, calves and steers are allowed a head start. The competitor, on horseback, begins in a three-sided fenced area called a box. The fourth side opens into the arena.
A rope barrier is stretched across that opening and is tied to the calf or steer with a breakaway loop. The barrier is automatically released once the calf or steer reaches the head-start point—predetermined by the arena size. If a cowboy breaks that barrier, a 10-second penalty is added.
--Courtesy PRCA and prorodeo.com
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, sher, bobcat tags, party permits, old traps. 715-255-9284 David Schober, W4234 Rock Creek Rd., Loyal, WI 54446.
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.
CHIPPEWA VALLEY BEE EXPO. April 12, 2025. Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Honeybees, pollinators seminars, cooking with honey, youth programs, education, and awareness expo. See us on FB on Chippewa Valley Bee Expo.
THROW YOUR HOME MOVIES IN THE TRASH! Or pro transfer 8mm, VHS, slides, audio, and all formats to DVD or flash drive. Gene DVD Productions 715-827-2302.
WANTED: COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR VINTAGE SPORTS CARDS 1986 or older. 608-343-3503.
WANTED: CHEVY/GMC PICKUP TRUCK. 2500 HD Double Cab (not crew cab). 8-foot box, under 125,000 miles. Home 715-835-1305 / Cell 715-577-7249.
WANTED: 42” WORKING MOWER DECK for a gear-driven John Deere Sabre garden tractor. 414-378-5723.
WANTED – MORGAN AND PEACE SILVER DOLLARS. Help me complete my personal collection. I am not a dealer. Call Bob 651-208-4545.
DISCOVER THE OCOOCH MOUNTAINS IN SW WI and the Ocooch Mountain Rocks—on Amazon.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.
1952 WILLY’S JEEP - Army M38A1, 24-volt. New tires, nice, sharp, Jeep motor, Flathead 3-speed transmission. $1,200 or best o er. 608-485-1427.
STAY SAFE FROM LIGHTNING
HARDWOOD AND CONIFER SEEDLINGS AND TRANSPLANTS. Thousands available, Oaks, Maples, Hybrid Poplar, Hickory, Milkweed, Aspen, Dogwoods, Elderberry, Cranberry, Balsam, Fraser Fir, Spruce, Pine, Cedar, fall food plot and grafted apple trees too, large bareroot shade trees including Autumn Blaze. Check us out on the web at www.paintcreeknursery.com, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube also. Paint Creek Nursery, Cadott, WI. 715-723-2072.
MAY THE FOREST BE WITH YOU! All species will be bareroot. We have Evergreens, Deciduous, Flowering shrubs, Crabapples, Apples, Pears, Peaches, Apricots, Cherries, Plums, Currents, Gooseberries, Honeyberries, Blueberries, Grapes, Raspberries, Strawberries, Asparagus, Lilacs, Shade Trees, Products for planting and plant protection. Woodstock Nursery Garden & Landscape, W6291 State Hwy 95, Neillsville, WI 54456. 888-803-8733. Website: www.wallace-woodstock.com. Email: tanya@ wallace-woodstock.com
MCKAY NURSERY COMPANY - WISCONSIN GROWN SINCE 1897. Provider of quality shade & ornamental trees, fruit & flowering trees, evergreens, shrubs, perennials, ground cover, and vines. Design services & delivery available. Contact Eric at ezlandscapewi@gmail.com or call 608-387-4287. “Your McKay Independent Sales & Service Provider.”
Classi ed ads reach more than 152,000 mailboxes. RATES: For non-members of Wisconsin rural electric 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.
Deadly lightning strikes are most common in June, July, and August, according to the National Weather Service. The best way to stay safe is to stay inside when lightning threatens, but there are other steps you can take:
l Pay attention to weather forecasts. If there’s a chance for severe weather, reschedule outdoor activities or at least make sure you can get to a safe location if necessary.
l If you’re outdoors and severe weather strikes, get to a substantial building or metal vehicle at once. Open vehicles and structures such as golf carts, dugouts, and pavilions are not safe.
l If you’re caught outdoors in lightning with no shelter available, avoid open areas and stay away from isolated tall trees or poles.
l When inside during lightning, stay o corded phones, computers, and other equipment that puts you in direct contact with electricity, and avoid any plumbing.
Source: National Weather Service
REAL ESTATE: Leigh Acres, Florida, vacant lot, $30K. Contact: 4merjm@gmail.com
Real Estate Miscellaneous
Plants & Shrubs
WISCONSIN EVENTS June 2025
1, 5–8, 12–15, 19–22, 26–29 Photography Exhibit—Alma. Wings Over Alma Nature & Art Center, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 608-685-3303.
5–7 City-Wide Rummage Sales—Oconto. All day. Maps available at area businesses.
6–8 Fresh Art Tour—Studios and galleries in Pepin, Pierce, and Buffalo counties. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Self-guided tour. www. freshart.org
7 “Smoke in the Valley”—Boscobel. Antique Club, all day. Tractor, truck, and semi pull. Food available. 608-604-2778.
7 Coulee Region Poultry Show—Galesville. Trempealeau County Fairgrounds, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Bring a carrier and visit the outside sale area. 253-241-9981.
7 Eau Claire County Breakfast on the Farm—Fall Creek. High School, 7–11 a.m. Hosted at Messerschmidt Dairy. Parking will be offsite at Fall Creek High School, with bus shuttles to the farm.
7 Fire in the Shire—Alma. Castlerock Museum, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. A city-wide celebration of all things medieval. Concessions available. 608-685-4231.
7 Spaghetti Dinner—Alma. Legion Post 224, 4–7 p.m. Call 608-685-3652 for carryouts. Tickets available at the door.
11 Garage and Brat Sale—Phillips. St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
13 Whitehaven Petting Zoo—Cornell. Public Library, 10–11 a.m. Bring the whole family. Free. 715-239-3709.
14 Birds, Bees, and Butter ies—Necedah. National Wildlife Refuge, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Vendors, demos, speakers, and displays about birds, bees, and butterflies. Free. 608-565-2551.
14, 15 Salute to Rhubarb Fest—Fountain City. City Park, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Contests, baseball games, car show, arts/crafts, more.
14 Cattail Workshop—Babcock. Sandhill Wildlife Area, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Presentation on cattail harvest, visit the marsh (hip boots or waders required) and practice harvesting. Fee is $20. To register, call 715-652-3131.
16 Author Visit: Jennifer Chiaverini—Onalaska. Library, 6–7 p.m. Meet this New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 books. 608-781-9568.
18–22 Fair—Elroy. Schultz Park. Animal exhibits, vendors, fair foods, carnival, live music each evening, free admission and parking! 608-633-2123.
20 Country Store and Luncheon—Cable. United Church of Christ. Thrift shop/yard sale, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and a salad bar luncheon, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, $15. Take-outs available. 715-798-3066.
20 Summer Solstice Hike—Cornell. Camp Nawakwa, 6:30–9:30 p.m. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy s’mores and taffy cracks! Hike at 7:15 p.m. to Old Baldy Mountain for the sunset and songs. Bring bug repellent, flashlight/headlamp, and water. Donations appreciated.
21 Rock Around the Block—New Lisbon. Event course starts at N8242 6th Ave., 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Walk/run/bike 4.5 miles. Community potluck picnic at noon. info@lonerockschool.com.
21 Happy Trails Dog Walk—Richland Center. Dog park, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Stroll with your dog with presentation on training.
21 Taming the Barrens: Bison & Invasive Species— Babcock. Sandhill Wildlife Area, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Nature hike and a wildlife viewing experience. Wear pants and long sleeves, dress for the weather, and bring bug spray and water. Free, but please RSVP to 715-459-3301.
21 Joyful Noise—Oconto Falls. East Side Beach, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Christian music concert. Admission & parking free. Food available for purchase. 920-373-2731.
21 Midsummer Festival—Iron River. Oulu Cultural & Heritage Center, 12–4 p.m. Ethnic Finnish celebration at historic outdoor museum. Raffle drawings, food, live music, demos. 715-372-4793.
21 Monarch Butter y Presentation—Alma. Wings Over Alma Nature & Art Center, 1–3 p.m. 608-685-3303.
21 Music on the Lawn—Cornell. Public Library, 4–6 p.m. Bring your lawn chair. 715-239-3709.
25 Trivia Night—Wittenberg. Wowspace, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Cash prizes. Call 715881-0467 to register your team; 8 max per team/table. $120 per team.
26 Pie and Ice Cream Social—Eau Claire. Saving Grace Lutheran Church, 4–7 p.m. BBQ plate is $8 and hot dog plate is $7. Pie, ice cream, and beverage only $5. Take-outs available. 715-514-3552.
26–28 Budweiser Dairyland Super National Truck & Tractor Pull—Tomah. Recreation Park. Five shows, two tracks, and three days of pulling action! Free admission, camping, food and commercial vendors. 608-372-2081.
27, 28 Full Pull Stop & Shop Event—Tomah. First United Methodist Church, Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Monroe County vendors and crafters.
28 Pancake Breakfast—Mason. Faith Lutheran Church, 8–11 a.m. Suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
28 Brat Sale—Richland Center. Ace Hardware, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
28 Mason Bibon Band—Mason. Downtown, 12–4 p.m. A free outdoor concert of your favorite classic country and oldies during Mason Days.
Upload events directly to the wecnmagazine.com through the “Events” tab.
Wisconsin Events is a public service for our readers. Due to space limits, we may need to eliminate details, so be sure to include a phone number (with area code) where callers may obtain more info. If we receive more listings than space allows us to print, we reserve the right to select those we believe will be of interest to the greatest number of readers. Please no virtual events. Events can also be mailed to: WECN, Events, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102, Middleton, WI 53562-2200.
DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the event is to appear.
Upload events to wecnmagazine.com
1. Alexis, Hanna, and Shelby enjoy a day with their goats. Photo submitted by Grandma Irene Dray, a member of Taylor Electric.
2. Cashton brought his dog, Dixie, to school for show and tell. Photo submitted by Great Grandma Joanne Henchen, a member of Eau Claire Energy.
3. Lyla loves dog Maggie so much. Photo submitted by Grandma Kimberly Honan, 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.
SOLAR ENERGY WORD SEARCH
Did you know solar panels turn sunlight into electricity? When the sun shines on the panels, tiny particles of light hit cells on the panels to create a flow of energy, like magic sunlight turning into power! The electricity then travels across power lines and can be used to light up homes, charge gadgets and more.
Can you find all the words associated with solar energy in the puzzle to the left?
